On May 6, 2024, a group of 22 students accompanied by 2 faculty members from the Department of Industrial and Production Engineering (IPE), American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), visited the Bangladesh Navy Dockyard in Narayanganj. This tour is organized by the Department of IPE, AIUB and supported by IEOM AIUB Student Chapter. The tour aimed to provide real-life insights into shipbuilding and dockyard maintenance.
The students departed from AIUB at 8:00 AM and arrived at the dockyard at 10:00 AM. They were warmly welcomed by dockyard officials and began with a promotional video outlining the history, capabilities, and strategic importance of the establishment.
The tour commenced with an exploration of the sub-assembly and assembly processes, where engineers explained component fabrication and ship assembly. In the fabrication area, the students observed various machines, such as CNC routing and metal CNC, used for precise component manufacturing based on AutoCAD designs. They were also introduced to the basin and tugboats, essential features for ship docking and operations.
Throughout the visit students observed an array of machinery, including rollers, presses, drilling machines etc., and gathered practical data about their functions in shipbuilding. They toured various sections including the framing, outfitting, engine, maintenance, and electrical shops, gaining insights into different aspects of ship construction and maintenance.
The tour provided valuable hands-on exposure, bridging theory and practical knowledge. It supported SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through experiential learning, technology exposure, and industry-academia collaboration. The students left with a comprehensive understanding of shipbuilding and dockyard operations.