Lighter vessels ordered to leave Chattogram port limit within 72 hours
The notice warns that failure to comply with the 72-hour deadline will result in legal actions under the Chittagong Port Authority Ordinance and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code
The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has issued a directive requiring lighter vessels to leave the port limit within 72 hours after loading goods from mother vessels at the outer anchorage.
This measure aims to prevent artificial supply chain disruptions and price manipulation by importers.
On Wednesday (26 February), Captain Faridul Alam, deputy conservator (DC) of the Chittagong Port Authority, issued a notification stating that the order is in the public interest to ensure market stability.
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The notice warns that failure to comply with the 72-hour deadline will result in legal actions under the Chittagong Port Authority Ordinance and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
The notification highlights that many lighter vessels remain anchored within port limits for extended periods without valid reasons. This practice adversely affects the supply chain, creates artificial shortages, increases prices, and negatively impacts consumers.
The manipulation of product availability to increase prices is deemed against public and state interests, said the notification.
Additionally, the prolonged presence of a large number of lighter vessels in restricted areas disrupts port security and obstructs the movement of international commercial vessels.
Such violations pose risks to the safe and efficient operations of Chattogram port, contravening both the Ordinance and the ISPS Code.
To maintain an uninterrupted supply chain—especially ahead of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan—the port authority has enforced the 72-hour rule.
The goal is to stabilise market prices, ensure smooth port operations, and uphold navigational safety.
Currently, around 1,800 lighter ships operate on various waterways across the country, transporting goods from Chattogram port.
However, many of these vessels have remained anchored in different river routes, including within port limits, without unloading their cargo.
Reports indicate that approximately 400 ships are being used as floating warehouses by importers, causing a shortage of available lighter ships.
As a result, vessel owners are struggling to allocate vessels for unloading goods from mother vessels.
In response to this situation, the Chittagong Port Authority has enforced this directive to prevent further disruption.
