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.
"A good number of lighter ships are required only to transport fertiliser and food items. So, we want to increase the number of the ships."
About 300 to 350 more ships would be required for Payra port once it starts full-scale operation and another 40 would be needed to transport fuel for coal-fired power stations.
