Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), a state-owned and publicly listed company, has decided to add two new ships to its fleet. To acquire these vessels, BSC is set to sign an agreement with Hellenic Dry Bulk Ventures LLC, a US-based company.

The company’s board of directors has already approved the proposal, which has been confirmed through the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE). The procurement process began following a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase on August 12, where the Ministry of Shipping presented the proposal. Although three companies participated in the tender process, the Tender Evaluation Committee (TEC) selected Hellenic Dry Bulk Ventures as the lowest bidder. As per the agreement, BSC will purchase the two ships for USD 76.698 million using its own funds. Although the supplier is US-based, the ships are being constructed in China and will be delivered to Bangladesh from there.

According to the latest financial report, in the first three quarters (July–March) of the 2024–25 fiscal year, BSC’s consolidated earnings per share (EPS) stood at BDT 14.38, up from BDT 11.05 during the same period the previous year. During this time, the net asset value per share (NAVPS) was BDT 98.49. BSC is known for its stable dividend policy, which is appreciated by investors. In the 2023–24 fiscal year, the company declared a 25% cash dividend, with an EPS of BDT 16.37 and NAVPS of BDT 101.97, showing slight growth compared to the previous year. In the 2022–23 fiscal year, the dividend was also 25%, with an EPS of BDT 16.15 and NAVPS of BDT 86.67, while in 2021–22, the company paid a 20% cash dividend, with EPS and NAVPS at BDT 14.80 and BDT 72.52 respectively.

Listed on the stock exchange since 1977, BSC has an authorized capital of BDT 10 billion and a paid-up capital of BDT 1.525 billion. The company holds reserves amounting to BDT 9.38 billion, with a total of 152,535,040 shares issued. Of these, the government owns 52.10%, institutional investors hold 21.34%, and general investors possess 26.56%.