EU eyes Bangladesh as green shipbuilding and recycling hub
EU, Dutch and Spanish envoys said Bangladesh could become a regional leader in green shipbuilding, recycling and the circular economy.
The European Union and two of its member states, the Netherlands and Spain, say Bangladesh holds strong potential to become a regional hub for green shipbuilding, recycling and circular-economy industries as the country diversifies beyond ready-made garments. The remarks came during a high-level visit by EU Ambassador Michael Miller, Dutch Ambassador Joris van Bommel and Spanish Ambassador Gabriel Maria Sistiaga to key industrial sites.
The delegation visited recycled-fibre producer Recover, the Bangladesh Navy's Dockyard and Engineering Works and Karnaphuli Ship Builders. The EU side said European technology, investment and market access could combine with Bangladeshi entrepreneurship to build globally competitive, sustainable industries. Van Bommel called maritime cooperation a strategic priority for the Netherlands, which invested more than $544m in Bangladesh in 2025.
Bangladeshi shipbuilders highlighted expanding technical capacity but flagged access to green financing and policy support as key challenges to scaling up exports.
Source: The Climate Watch (via Maasmond Maritime press clippings).
