16 energy vessels arrive in 12 days, three more due

Highlights:

• Sixteen energy vessels arrived Chattogram Port during first twelve March days
• Three LNG carriers delivered over 180,000 tonnes from Qatar
• LPG tankers formed the largest share of arriving vessels
• Ships delivered diesel, fuel oil, MEG, and base oil
• Three additional energy vessels expected to arrive around 14 March
• Middle East tensions raise concerns over Strait of Hormuz shipping

Sixteen vessels carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other refined energy products arrived at Chattogram Port during the first 12 days of March, while three more ships are expected in the coming days, according to data from the Chittagong Port Authority.

The inflow of energy vessels comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, raising concerns over tanker movement through key global shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz – a strategically important passage through which a significant share of the world's oil and gas trade passes.

In the first 10 days of March, three LNG carriers unloaded over 180,000 tonnes of cargo at the port.

Infograph: TBS

LNG shipments dominate early arrivals

Port data shows LNG cargo accounted for a significant portion of energy shipments during the period.

Three LNG carriers – Al Zore, Al Jassasiya and Lusail – arrived from Qatar between 3 and 10 March and have already completed unloading their cargo.

According to the ships' local representative, Uni Global Business Limited, each vessel carried around 62,000 tonnes of LNG.

Another LNG carrier, Al Galayel, arrived on 12 March with about 26,165 tonnes of LNG. The cargo is currently being discharged at the floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), and operations are expected to be completed by 14 March.

LPG cargo makes up largest number of vessels

LPG carriers accounted for the largest number of ships arriving at the port during the period.

Morning Jane from Malaysia and GY MM from Oman – carrying a combined 19,316 tonnes of LPG – have already completed unloading.

Several other LPG carriers are still discharging cargo. LPG Sevan, which arrived from Oman on 8 March, is unloading 7,500 tonnes of LPG and is scheduled to complete operations by 30 March.

Meanwhile, Senna 9 delivered 1,400 tonnes of LPG and is expected to complete discharge by 12 March.

Two additional LPG tankers – Epic Sunter and Schumi 7 from Malaysia and India – delivered 1,500 tonnes and 1,000 tonnes of LPG respectively and are expected to complete discharge by mid-March.

Refined fuels and industrial inputs

Apart from LNG and LPG, several vessels brought refined fuel products and industrial energy inputs.

The tanker Bay Yasu from the United Arab Emirates delivered monoethylene glycol (MEG), while Elandra Spruce and Hafnia Bobcat, both sailing from Singapore, unloaded high sulphur fuel oil used in power generation and industrial boilers.

Gas oil tankers Xiu Chi and Lian Huan Hu from Singapore, along with SPT Themis from Malaysia, also arrived carrying diesel-type fuel.

According to sources at the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, these vessels together carried around 147,000 tonnes of refined fuel.

In addition, the oil tanker Angel 11 from India delivered about 4,000 tonnes of base oil, a key raw material used in lubricant production.

More ships on the way

Port officials said three additional energy vessels are currently heading towards Chattogram.

These include LNG carriers Lebrethah from Qatar and Prachi from Australia, as well as gas oil tanker Raffles Samura from Singapore. All three vessels are expected to arrive around 14 March, according to port data.

Supply lines under watch

Energy import flows are being closely monitored by shipping authorities as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to influence tanker movement and insurance costs for vessels operating in the Gulf.

The Strait of Hormuz – located between Iran and Oman – remains one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying roughly one-fifth of global petroleum trade.

Bangladesh relies heavily on imports of LNG, LPG, crude oil and refined fuels from Gulf countries and Asian suppliers to meet domestic energy demand. Any disruption in shipping routes or escalation of conflict in the region could therefore affect delivery schedules and freight costs for energy cargo bound for the country.

Meanwhile, a vessel carrying 100,000 tonnes of crude oil has remained stuck at a Saudi port for the last eight days as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

However, port officials said vessel movement so far this month has remained largely normal, with regular arrivals ensuring steady fuel supply for power generation, industry and household consumption.