Quick action averts LPG carrier accident at Chattogram port
The vessel veered dangerously towards the KAFCO ammonia jetty, creating a high-risk situation that could have resulted in severe damage to port infrastructure and serious loss of life.
A potentially catastrophic accident was narrowly avoided at the Karnafuli channel of Chattogram port on Tuesday morning after a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier suffered a critical mechanical failure while berthing at a terminal jetty, the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) said in a press release today (20 January).
The incident occurred around 10:40am when the 159.9-metre-long vessel Gas Harmony was attempting to berth at the United Tank Terminal jetty. At the time, the ship was carrying a large volume of LPG cargo, 515 tonnes of propane and 4,570 tonnes of butane, when it suddenly lost control due to a mechanical fault.
According to the CPA, the vessel veered dangerously towards the KAFCO ammonia jetty, creating a high-risk situation that could have resulted in severe damage to port infrastructure and serious loss of life.
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Assistant Harbour Master Captain Asif Ahmed of the Chattogram Port Authority, who was on duty aboard the vessel, took immediate emergency measures to contain the situation. Acting on split-second judgement, he ordered the use of the ship's anchor and tugboats to slow and redirect the vessel.
The manoeuvre successfully reduced the ship's speed and altered its course, bringing it to a stop approximately 1.2 metres short of the jetty structure.
Port officials said that without the timely intervention, the incident could have escalated into a major disaster involving extensive damage to the jetty, the navigation channel and surrounding facilities.
Senior CPA officials monitored the situation in real time through the Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) and provided operational guidance as events unfolded, the press release said.
The authority credited the incident-free outcome to rapid primary response and coordinated teamwork. The captain of Gas Harmony later issued a letter of appreciation recognising Captain Asif's role in averting the accident.
The CPA said the response not only prevented a major emergency but also reflected positively on the port's operational preparedness and professional standards.
