Lighter vessels ordered to leave Ctg port area within 72 hours of unloading goods

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.

Captain Faridul Alam, deputy conservator (DC) of the CPA, issued a notification "in public interest to ensure market stability" in this regard on Wednesday (26 February).

The notice warns that failure to comply with the 72-hour deadline will result in legal action under the Chittagong Port Authority Act 2022 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, drives up prices, and negatively impacts consumers, it notes, adding that the manipulation of product availability to increase prices is deemed against public and state interests.

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 Chittagong Port, contravening both the Chittagong Port Authority Act 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 stabilize market prices, ensure smooth port operations, and uphold navigational safety, according to the notice.

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.