Ctg lighterage ship booking dispute resolved as automated system in place

CHATTOGRAM, Jan 18: The dispute over booking lighterage ships from Chittagong port to different routes across the country has been resolved, with the Department of Shipping issuing new directives and forming a committee to oversee the process.

The dispute, which arose in December 2023, involved the Water Transport Coordination Cell -- a joint body of three ship owner associations: the Cargo Vessels Owners Association, the Inland Vessels Owners Association of Chittagong and the Coastal Ship Owners Association of Bangladesh.

Commodore Mohammad Maqsood Alam, director general of the shipping department, announced the resolution at a meeting with stakeholders on Wednesday afternoon in Chattogram.

"We have formed a committee, comprising representatives from all parties, after holding regular meetings with everyone involved," Commodore Alam said. "Under this committee's leadership, new ship booking serials will be issued from next week."

Captain Sabbir Mahmud, principal officer of the Department of Shipping, added, "We consulted all stakeholders before forming the committee."

To ensure transparency and fairness, the department has also developed an automated system and online software for managing ship serials.

"With the new committee and online system, there will be no ambiguity about ship scheduling," Commodore Alam said. "Every stakeholder can now check the schedule online."

The dispute began on December 20, 2023, when the Inland Vessel Owners Association of Chattogram announced its withdrawal from the Water Transport Coordination Cell and formed a separate cell.

This led to disruption in booking procedures for lighterage ships, which transport cargo and containers from Chittagong port to inland waterways across Bangladesh.

The Water Transport Coordination Cell was established in 2003 by the Bangladesh Cargo Vessel Owners' Association, the Inland Vessel Owners Association of Chattogram and the Coastal Ship Owners Association under the leadership of The Chittagong Chamber Of Commerce & Industry to regulate ship booking and scheduling from Chattogram port.

It manages the operations of around 1200 ships, 300 of which are owned by Chittagong-based operators.

These vessels serve various ports and water transportation hubs, including Mirpur, Baghabari, Nagarbari, Noapara, Khulna and Barishal, playing a key role in the country's inland maritime trade.

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