Lighter Vessel Management Software launched to boost transparency at Ctg Port
Razib said vessel owners had long complained about the system used to determine the sequence in which lighter vessels receive cargo from mother vessels.
The government has launched a digital management system for lighter vessels operating at Chattogram's outer anchorage, aiming to bring greater transparency and discipline to cargo lightering operations and address longstanding complaints over vessel allocation and trip scheduling.
State Minister for Shipping and Bridges Md Razib Ahsan made the remarks today (16 August) at the inauguration of the Lighter Vessel Management Software (LVMS) at the shipping department's headquarters, reads a press release.
"The LVMS will help eliminate irregularities in the sector and establish greater accountability," he said.
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"Through LVMS, all the problems in this sector will be resolved, and I sincerely believe it will set a unique example of transparency and accountability," Razib added.
According to the state minister, around 2,500 lighter vessels are currently engaged in carrying cargo from ships anchored at Chattogram's outer anchorage. Of them, around 1,800 have already registered with the new digital system.
Razib said vessel owners had long complained about the system used to determine the sequence in which lighter vessels receive cargo from mother vessels.
"There were many complaints and dissatisfaction among ship-owners over the serial system in this sector. These complaints will be completely eliminated through LVMS, and the software will bring discipline to the sector," he said.
He said the government had prioritised the use of information technology to improve efficiency, accountability and transparency in public services.
The launch of LVMS within the first 180 days of the current government's tenure was therefore an important achievement, he said.
The state minister said the government had also introduced digital registration for vessels and landing stations for lighter vessel workers as part of efforts to modernise the sector.
Steps to prevent unauthorised trips
Razib Ahsan said steps were being taken to prevent unauthorised cargo trips, commonly referred to as "chora trips".
He said he had requested the chairman of Chattogram Port Authority and the principal officer of the Mercantile Marine Office not to allow any commercial vessel to discharge cargo without a no-objection certificate from the Bangladesh Water Transport Coordination Cell (BWTCC).
"We have also given the necessary instructions to the Coast Guard," he said.
According to the state minister, the measures are intended to ensure that cargo handling by lighter vessels remains within the digital management system and follows an established sequence.
He said the system would help authorities monitor vessel allocation, scheduling and cargo operations more effectively, reducing opportunities for irregularities.
Two trips a month promised
The state minister said he had promised lighter vessel owners that arrangements would be made to ensure two trips per month for each vessel.
"I had promised the ship-owners that I would arrange two trips for you every month and ensure recovery of dispatch and demurrage payments," he said.
He expressed confidence that LVMS would help resolve longstanding problems in the sector while providing greater predictability for vessel owners.
The software is expected to bring lighter vessel registration, scheduling and operational information under a single digital platform, allowing relevant authorities and stakeholders to monitor vessel movements and cargo operations more effectively.
