(BSS) – Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) has sold its two fire-damaged ships, MV Banglar Jyoti and MV Banglar Sourav, for Tk 45.86 crore, including value-added tax (VAT) and taxes.

The amount was offered by Chattogram-based shipbreaker Master & Brothers, the highest bidder in an international tender.

Commodore Mahmudul Malek, Managing Director of the company, revealed the information at a press conference at the BSC head office in Chattogram on Tuesday afternoon.

Referring to BSC as a profitable institution of the government, Mahmudul Malek said, Banglar Jyoti and Banglar Sourav were purchased from Denmark in 1987 for Tk 60 crore. The two ships have transported 42.5 million tons of cargo so far. Jyoti earned Tk 805 crore. Sourav earned Tk 731 crore.

Banglar Jyoti was damaged in a fire caused by an explosion on September 30 last year while unloading fuel at the port`s dolphin jetty, resulting in the deaths of three individuals onboard.

Banglar Shourabh sustained fire damage on October 5 last year after completing a ship-to-ship fuel transfer at the port`s outer anchorage, resulting in one fatality.

BSC issued an international tender in this regard on December 5 last year, with January 6 of 2025 as the last date for submission. The tenders were opened on January 7.

BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek told journalists that some 16 companies participated in the tender process, 15 of which were responsive.

The first highest bidder, Master and Brothers, bid Tk 40 crore 44 lakh. Including tax, they are paying Tk 45 crore 86 lakh.

The second highest bidder bid Tk 36.69 crore. The contract was signed on February 27, and on March 5, the company took charge of the ships and completed the beaching, Commodore Mahmudul Malek said,

"Usually, such ships cannot be operated for more than 25-26 years. However, BSC has kept them operational for a long time through necessary maintenance. Currently, there is no opportunity to reuse them, so they have been sold at auction," he added.