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Local cement manufacturers have urged the government to ensure competitive vessel system for the sake of industry and consumers.
Theyput forward the demand following a recent circular issued by the Department of Shipping (DoS).
According to the circular, any lighter vessel having the government's approval will have to take consent from the Water Transport Cell (WTC) to cross the ocean. In default, the WTC would file case against the vessel owners.
In a statement, Bangladesh Cement Manufacturers Association (BCMA) said the WTC is neither a government organisation nor a semi-governmentorganisation.
"The WTC is not even an agent of the government. So, the organisation has notany legal base to file case against the vessel owners," said the BCMA.
After issuance of the circular, the industry owners held a meeting with the DoS.
The BCMA said the DoShas acknowledged that their circular included some mistakes that should be fine-tuned.
"But the DoS also said that additional vessels, if required along with own vessels, must be taken from the WTC," the BCMA said.
It said that a competitive environment should be ensured so that vessels can be hired from the ship owners and the shipping market for the sake of the industry and consumers.
"It will ensure benefits for both parties if the cost can be minimised through a competitive system," the BCMA said.