Uncertainty over arrival of container vessel in Ctg

FE Team | Published: August 14, 2013 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00

FE Report The shipping firm concerned is yet to confirm when the container vessel that ran aground off Cheduba Island in Myanmar will reach Chittagong, causing serious worries to the consignees. Earlier, container ship M.V. Gladys ran aground on August 1 in the Bay of Bengal en route Chittagong. It was carrying 674 boxes or nearly 900 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) containers on board. It was scheduled to take berth on August 2 last. The ship was carrying mostly industrial raw materials including raw cotton, fertiliser, wood pulp and some refrigerated containers filled with fresh fruits and other frozen items. Besides, it was carrying some 'hazardous' cargoes like phosphoric acid and other chemicals. Delwar Hossain, general manager of the Tridan Shipping, the local agent of the ship told the FE Monday that they are yet to be sure about when the vessel will reach Chittagong. He, however, said a tug boat named Pacific Rover has been hired and it has reached the spot. The tug needs prior permission from the naval authority of Myanmar before towing the vessel to Chittagong. Apart from this, there is a need to perform some technical works before pulling the vessel towards Chittagong. The distance between the 'mishap' site and Chittagong port is around 300 nautical miles. Mr Delwar, however, said the vessel might reach Chittagong on or after August 20. The vessel was grounded reportedly after experiencing engine problems which started soon after vessel left Port Klang in Malaysia. The vessel was carrying goods belonging to some 117 importers. Sources at the shipping agency said the consignees are calling or visiting its Chittagong office every day to enquire about their goods. "We're receiving huge calls from the consignees and they want to know whether their goods have remained intact or not." "We're assuring them that cargoes remained alright," said an official at the Tridan Shipping. In the meantime, owner of the ship the GSL had earlier announced 'general average', a shipping jargon meaning all parties concerned will contribute to compensation of losses, if any. The 'general average' will help reach the cargoes to its final destination. The Tridan Shipping is an agent of the GSL in Bangladesh. The latter is the owning company of the vessel and a mainline operator. M.V. Gladys suffered an emergency situation when the lower level of the engine room was flooded, causing a blackout. As a result, the vessel crew had to abandon the ship. M.V. Gladys with DWT (deadweight tonne) 23,574 has capacity of carrying 1,021 TEUs. The vessel carrying Indonesian flag was built in 1991.