Bangladesh plans to transfer management of three key container terminals—Chattogram’s New Mooring, Laldia, and Pangaon—to international operators by December. This move aims to improve port efficiency, reduce vessel waiting times, and attract more maritime investments. A 30-year lease and 25-year contracts are expected to modernize operations significantly.
Reports from Bangladesh describe a “brutal robbery” on the cargo ship Shejyoti at Mongla port. On May 26, 14 armed robbers boarded, tying up the crew and stealing around $40,000 in fuel and $18,000 in equipment. Three crew members were injured and required First Aid during the incident.
Draft amendments have been proposed in Bangladesh to update ship recycling and hazardous waste management laws to meet international standards. Key stakeholders from government and private sectors attended a workshop to review these amendments, emphasizing the importance of environmental performance and worker safety. The amendments aim to align with international conventions.
A bulkhead named Anima Saima 2 capsized in the Karnaphuli River near the Chattogram port channel after colliding with the outbound container vessel MSC Giannina II. Three crew members were rescued, and the wreckage has been marked with a red buoy. Vessel movements in the port channel remain unaffected.
Akash Mondal, also known as Irfan, was arrested in Bagerhat for murdering seven individuals aboard the MV Al Bakhera ship on the Meghna River. RAB revealed that Irfan killed the captain out of a personal grudge and attacked the others to cover up his crime. The tragic incident has sparked investigations.
Following a recent severe blaze off the Bangladeshi coastline, the government has issued a directive to local companies to refrain from engaging with sanctioned ships and cargoes. The incident involved a 32-year-old LPG carrier carrying sanctioned Iranian gas, resulting in the rescue of 31 individuals after two gas carriers caught fire near Chittagong port.
A tragic explosion of a shuttle tanker at the Eastern Refinery in Chittagong, Bangladesh, resulted in the deaths of three crewmembers. The Coast Guard, Navy, and local resources responded to the fire, moving nearby vessels to safety. An inquiry team is investigating the incident, highlighting concerns about safety regulations enforcement in the maritime industry.
The Ministry of Industries in Bangladesh is cracking down on a shipbreaking company in Chattogram after a deadly incident during tank cutting on a retired tanker. The explosion and fire on September 7 left 12 workers injured and one dead. The company, SM Corporation, faces suspension and fines for safety violations.
In the past reporting period, there were 60 incidents of maritime attacks, with 46 ships boarded and 8 attempted attacks. Perpetrators successfully boarded 84% of the attacked ships, with 85 individuals taken hostage. The use of guns and knives in these incidents has increased, underscoring the importance of regional maritime cooperation.
Monitoring agencies are warning of increased piracy activity, with perpetrators boarding vessels, tying up crewmembers, and stealing stores. ReCAAP highlights Singapore and Malacca straits as hotspots, with a rise in incidents near Chattogram Anchorage and Kutubdia island in Bangladesh. Recent incidents near Singapore have raised concerns, prompting heightened security measures. Successful efforts by the Philippine Coast Guard have reduced the threat level in certain areas.
A cargo ship named Samuda-1 drifted out of control in Chattogram, Bangladesh, hitting the Kalurghat Railway Bridge. Eyewitnesses reported strong winds as the ship floated from a nearby shipyard. Officials are investigating if the ship broke away from its moorings or if it was a helmsman error. Salvage efforts are underway.
