Photo: ISPR

DHAKA, June 16, 2026 (BSS) - Construction of an international-standard marine 
research vessel for the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI) 
has begun at Khulna Shipyard Limited (KSL), a state-owned shipyard managed by 
Bangladesh Navy.

The construction work was formally launched today through a keel-laying 
ceremony at the shipyard, according to a press release issued by the Inter 
Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate here today.

A keel-laying ceremony for a self-sustained pontoon to support the vessel's 
mooring operations was also held.

Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam, MP, attended the ceremony 
as the chief guest, alongside senior officials of the ministry, BORI, the 
Bangladesh Navy and KSL.

The ISPR said KSL and BORI signed a construction agreement on February 10 
this year under the Direct Procurement Method (DPM). Under the agreement, the 
shipyard will build a small research vessel, a self-sustained pontoon, two 
high-speed cabin boats and a 250-metre jetty with gangway facilities.

The vessel, to be built with technical support from UK-based Keel Marine Ltd 
and under the supervision of international classification society Bureau 
Veritas (BV), will be equipped with modern oceanographic survey and research 
systems.

Construction of the research vessel is expected to be completed by 2028, the 
ISPR added.