The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Chitagong

Four international-standard cargo ships, each of 2,040-metric tonne capacity, built by a local firm at its Patiya shipyard will be handed over to the buyers Monday for pressing them on inland waterways.

Western Marine Shipyard (WMSL) Limited, the builders, will hand over to Brave Royal Shipping Limited at a function at the Boat Club at Patenga beach close to the port city.

Construction of the vessels, MV Royal Crown, MV Royal Star, MV Royal Seagull and MV Royal Bay, had begun in November 2005 and were sold for a total price of Taka 30 crore. If procured from abroad, the buyers would have to pay at least double the price, shipping sources said. It was for the first time, said Managing Director, Muhammad Sakhawat Hossain, that the WMSL built vessels of "such capacity and quality" in the country using a combination of indigenous and internationally-recognised technology and local expertise.