Government orders cargo clearance from lighter vessels within three days

The shipping ministry has ordered importers to clear cargo from lighter vessels within three days or face legal action.

The directive came from Shipping Advisor M Sakhawat Hussain at an inter-ministerial meeting on Tuesday at the ministry that addressed the ongoing crisis in cargo handling from mother vessels.

Importers and cargo agents who fail to unload goods on time will be listed by the shipping department and the commerce ministry will consider revoking their licences.

The ministry said some importers, including Akij Group, SS Trading, and Nabil Group, were keeping goods on board, effectively using vessels as “floating warehouses”.

“Before Ramadan, demand for essentials has surged, leading to an increase in incoming cargo. Unscrupulous traders are exploiting this by delaying unloading to push up prices, creating artificial shortages,” Sakhawat said.

To resolve the lighter vessel crisis, the shipping directorate has formed three special task forces.

They have been conducting mobile court operations along key waterways, including Narayanganj, Jashore, Noapara, and other areas.

The task forces have enabled delivery of 735 lighter vessels to mother vessels outside the port.

A “Lighter Vessel Management Software” app, launched on Jan 30, also allows real-time tracking of vessels.

Since Jan 15, the task forces have inspected 455 lighter vessels along rivers, including Shitalakkhya, Dhaleshwari, Buriganga, Meghna, Karnaphuli, and Bhairab.

Violations have resulted in fines of up to Tk 11.5 million for 13 vessels and legal action against two companies.

Shipping Secretary Nurunnahar Chowdhury and other departmental heads attended the meeting.

bdnews24.com has sought comments from Akij Group, SS Trading, and Nabil Group regarding the allegations.