A joint workshop on “MODERNIZING INLAND WATER TRANSPORT IN BANGLADESH: DEVELOPMENT OF A GREEN INLAND SHIPPING ROADMAP” was organized by the USAID (United States Agency for International Development) technical team and Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NAME), BUET on 14th November 2024 at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).

In line with global efforts to decarbonize the shipping industry by 2050, the focus is reducing the environmental impact of ports and inland shipping operations. Given the increasing challenges of climate change, air quality improvement, and growing demand for mobility, there is a clear need to adopt cleaner, zero-emission technologies in the sector. This transition aligns with international policy objectives to mitigate environmental damage and advance sustainability.

This Vessel Greening Activity is implemented by the International Development Group Advisory Services (IDG) under the Indo-Pacific Opportunity Project (IPOP) and supported by the USAID. The workshop brought together public and private sector stakeholders from Bangladesh’s inland shipping sector. It aimed to collaboratively develop a roadmap for greening the sector, focusing on practical strategies for decarbonization.

The objectives of the workshop were to-

• present research conducted on green shipping and apply those in inland shipping of Bangladesh
• share knowledge and lessons from other nation’s decarbonization efforts and
• define a common strategy with crucial actions to overcome challenges in adopting green policies, technologies and financing in Bangladesh’s inland shipping sector.

Speakers from home and abroad shared their experiences on this issue. Professor Dr. Zobair Ibn Awal started the session with a welcoming speech and anchored the session. A short list of the workshop activities is as follows -

• Mr. Mashruf Ahmed from the Department of Shipping, Bangladesh, shared Bangladesh’s ambitions to decarbonize the maritime transport sector.
• Mr Geoffrey Kurgan from USAID delivered an informative presentation on “Setting the scene with a description of the investment program and study objectives and activities” regarding decarbonizing/greening the shipping sector.
• Mr. Richard van Liere from IDG/Nestra shared his Experiences and knowledge from international practices in decarbonizing/greening inland shipping.
• Md. Humayun Kabir from OMEL presented a case study on green river cruise/tourist vessel design. The case study focused on environmental regulation in Sundarban and guidelines for Sundarban tourism. Considering those environmental aspects, a concept vessel for tourists was developed where ideas of green systems like- electric propulsion systems, solar systems, and others were implemented.
• Mr. Harrie de Leijer from Nestra delivered his ideas on the “Inland Water Transport Vessel Upgrading and Greening Project”. He proposed a roadmap for Bangladesh through a greening project. An essential part of his presentation was the discussion of scenarios for lowering financial barriers to succeeding in greening projects, where market stimulation policies were discussed.
• Mr Richard van Liere conducted a “ROADMAP DECARBONIZING/GREENING INLAND SHIPPING” session. In this session, group presentations were conducted regarding objectives, bottlenecks, and challenges related to the decarbonization/greening inland shipping and ports. There was a brief discussion on defining solutions and actions 

1. for retrofitting existing inland vessels
2. to improve R&D, design and bring new inland vessels to the market
3. on decarbonization policies and interventions for inland ports, including waste collection
4. on policies, incentives and financing of decarbonization efforts and green technologies

At the end of the workshop, Professor Dr Md. Mashiur Rahaman delivered a closing address thanking all participants for their contributions and emphasizing the importance of collaboration in advancing the greening efforts for Bangladesh’s inland shipping sector. 

An optional visit to the BUET Ship Model Testing Center was arranged by the Department of NAME, BUET, following the closing of the workshop. The BUET Ship Model Testing Center has a significant role in greening the shipping sector through extensive research. The visit witnessed active and enthusiastic participation from stakeholders, students, and faculty members.