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Bangladesh will launch its first-ever nationwide vessel census on Thursday (Aug 20) to create an updated database of vessels operating across the country’s maritime, coastal and inland waterways.
The 10-day Vessel Census 2026 will run from Aug 20 to 29 under a project titled “Creating a Database of Existing Vessels and Enhancing Capacity for Vessel Management,” implemented by the Department of Shipping under the Ministry of Shipping.
The Department of Shipping and Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) will jointly conduct the census to collect updated information on all engine-powered vessels operating in Bangladesh’s sea, coastal and inland waters.
The Ministry of Shipping announced the initiative in a press release on Wednesday.
The census will collect key information including the number and types of vessels, ownership details and registration status. The data will be used to develop an integrated database to support planning, management, safety and policymaking in the country’s maritime transport sector.
Officials expect the census to provide a reliable, comprehensive and up-to-date statistical picture of Bangladesh’s vessel fleet. The database will help improve vessel registration and management, strengthen maritime safety, enhance waterway management and support evidence-based development planning.
Vessel owners, operators, workers and other stakeholders have been urged to fully cooperate with census personnel appointed by the BBS and provide accurate information during the data collection process.
The government considers the first-ever vessel census a timely and important step toward bringing greater discipline, safety and efficiency to Bangladesh’s maritime transport sector.