The Bangladesh Shipping Agent Association requested the Chattogram Port Authority to waive additional port charges incurred due to delays in loading and unloading containers and vessels, caused by the serious unrest in the country since July 18.
In a letter signed by the BSAA chairman Syed Mohammad Arif on Wednesday, the association highlighted the acute challenges faced by agents in handling vessels and performing shipping business activities during this period.
The letter emphasised that the shipping business, which relies completely on internet connectivity both locally and internationally, was severely disrupted due to internet blackout. Though the situation was gradually improving, the impact had not yet fully normalised.
Due to the unrest, vessel stay times at berths and outer anchorage, as well as turnaround times, have been significantly prolonged. Vessels could not sail according to schedule, and the discharge of import and loading of export cargo or containers was delayed. Each vessel incurred approximately Tk 1.5 lakh in daily losses. The total berth occupancy costs for 16 vessels over 2-3 days amount to Tk 48 lakh to Tk 72 lakh, excluding VAT, according to the letter.
The BSAA also noted that feeder vessels sailed with fewer export containers than booked, many failed to connect with second carriers at transhipment ports, and break-bulk vessels missed securing their next cargo bookings.
