BSCL and Sternula sign deal to consolidate security for maritime industry

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) and Denmark's firm Sternula which aims at installing automatic identification system (AIS) for safe and secure movement of ships in Bangladesh's maritime zone.

The MOU signing ceremony was held on Tuesday (29 April 2025) in BSCL Conference Hall. BSCL Managing Director Dr. Muhammad Emadur Rahman and Sternula Chief Executive Officer Lars Molsten signed the documents on behalf of their respective organizations. Ali Mushtaq Butt, Head of Trade Mission in Danish Embassy, Dhaka was present on the occasion among another few dignitaries.

AIS is a sophisticated tracking system which facilitates locating the movement of ships, fishing trawlers, activities in seaports etcetera. AIS also includes updated technologies for issuing cautionary messages to navigators.

According to Fisheries Division, Bangladesh currently has 50 thousand marine vessels including around 37 thousand fishing boats. Some of these sea transports move up to 200 nautical miles for catching fish. It's difficult to build up networking with these sea transports without connections with satellites. The deal inked between BSCL and Sternula is expected to speed up Bangladesh's blue economic prospects through advanced technological inclusion.