Bangladesh is targeting a big newbuilding push to meet increasing demand.
Officials cited by the Financial Express said there has been an acute shortage of lighterage vessels.
The current upper limit of state permits for newbuildings is 220 per year.
This could be lifted to more than 500, with tonnage particularly needed at Chittagong port.
Secretary of the shipping ministry Abdus Samad said: "There is a huge demand for lighter ships in the country.
