Lighterage vessel shortage eases slightly at Chattogram Port after ministry intervention

Highlights

• Importers ordered to unload cargo-laden lighter vessels within five days
• Legal action under way against importers for prolonged vessel retention
• Demand for lighter vessels continues to outpace supply
• 98 mother vessels carrying 34.4 lakh tonnes of cargo still stranded

A critical shortage of lighterage vessels at Chattogram Port's outer anchorage has eased marginally after intervention by the shipping ministry, although significant congestion persists with nearly 100 mother vessels with over 34 lakh tonnes of goods still awaiting cargo discharge.

The improvement followed a ministry ultimatum directing importers to unload cargo-laden lighter vessels within five days. Many of these vessels had remained stranded at river terminals across the country for more than 20 days.

Between January 19 and 26, a government task force carried out drives on 278 vessels. The inspections found 16 vessels carrying cargo for more than 20 days, 70 vessels delayed for over 10 days, and 192 vessels waiting for less than 10 days.

After the deadline expired, the supply of lighter vessels to the port began to pick up. Over the past two days, the Bangladesh Water Transport Coordination Cell (BWTCC) supplied 82 and 90 lighter vessels, respectively, helping speed up cargo evacuation from mother vessels.

A week earlier, more than 200 vessels were reported to have been held back for over 20 days by five large importers. However, a BWTCC report published on 25 January shows that 22 importing companies kept 102 vessels idle for more than 20 days.

Among the importers, Akij Group topped the list, holding 21 lighter vessels for periods ranging from 20 to 48 days. SS Trading followed with 13 vessels, while N Mohammad Group held 10. Other importers retaining between two and five vessels include Total, Arbi Trading, Shabnam, Nabil, Noapara, Sheikh Brothers, and City Communities.

Commodore Md Shafiul Bari, director general of the Department of Shipping, said the situation improved after enforcement drives and the announcement of legal action against importers who kept cargo-laden vessels idle beyond the 20-day limit.

"Once we announced operations and the filing of cases, many importers moved quickly to unload cargo and release vessels. That helped increase the lighter vessel supply and improve the situation. A total of 547 lighterage vessels have been allotted through BWTCC from 19-28 January," he told TBS.

He added that cases against two importers are currently under process for keeping loaded vessels idle for more than 20 days, and that more cases would follow. He declined to disclose the names of the accused importers.

Despite the easing, operators warned the congestion could build again. BWTCC officials said at least 20 wheat-laden mother vessels are now heading towards Chattogram Port and are expected to arrive within the next week.

Parvez Ahmed, a member of the BWTCC convener committee, said the crisis is still unresolved. "On Monday, the demand was for 114 lighter vessels, but we could allocate only 90, leaving a shortfall of 24," he said.

Meanwhile, a report by the Bangladesh Ship Handling and Berth Operators Association shows that as of 27 January, 98 mother vessels were stuck at the outer anchorage with around 34.4 lakh tonnes of cargo on board.

According to the document, 45.9 lakh tonnes of cargo arrived aboard these vessels, but only about 11.4 lakh tonnes had been delivered, leaving a substantial volume yet to be cleared.

Food grains make up the largest share of the backlog. Wheat alone accounts for more than 10.4 lakh tonnes carried by 25 vessels. Other food items awaiting clearance include soybean (3,62,986 tonnes), yellow corn (1,56,804 tonnes), lentils (96,274 tonnes), chickpeas (34,252 tonnes), and raw sugar (2,38,455 tonnes).

Industrial raw materials are also stuck, including over 3,92,000 tonnes of clinker, 1,78,556 tonnes of limestone, 2,81,312 tonnes of slag, and 3,47,952 tonnes of coal. Fertiliser cargo such as DAP, MOP, TSP, and urea together account for more than 1,17,000 tonnes of pending cargo.

Bangladesh Ship Handling and Berth Operators Association President Sarwar Hossain Sagar said lighter vessel availability has increased slightly but remains inadequate. He said bringing factory-enlisted vessels that currently have no cargo operations under BWTCC allocation could help ease the crisis further.

Chattogram Port handles more than 90% of Bangladesh's seaborne trade, and prolonged congestion there often has ripple effects across supply chains and local markets.