The newly formed committee of the Water Transport Coordination Cell restarted lightering operations across Bangladesh’s inland waterways from Chattogram seaport using a new serial system on Monday.

The cell, a joint body representing the Bangladesh Cargo Vessels Owners Association, Inland Vessels Owners Association of Chittagong, and Coastal Ship Owners Association of Bangladesh, held a meeting on Saturday.

They decided to resume cargo transportation by lighterage ships using the new serial system from January 22.

“Everything is now operating normally,” said Water Transport Coordination Cell Convenor Mohammad Nurul Haque. “The crisis is being resolved. We have resumed lighterage ship operations using the same serial system.”

Captain Sabbir Mahmood, the Principal Officer of the Department of Shipping who was tasked with resolving previous issues, said, “Sixty per cent of the fare must be paid upfront upon loading the goods. If the remaining 40 per cent is settled directly between ship owners and importers, we may consider some concessions. We have developed clear guidelines and they must be strictly followed.”

Sources said that the Bangladesh Cargo Vessels Owners Association, the Inland Vessels Owners Association of Chittagong and the Coastal Ship Owners Association of Bangladesh jointly formed the cell in 2003.

The Chittagong Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI) facilitated the formation of the cell to manage the serial and booking system for cargo and lighterage ships at that time.

The cell is responsible for scheduling and serialising the operations of 1,200 ships transporting cargo and containers across Bangladesh’s inland waterways from Chittagong seaport. Around 300 of these ships are owned by Chittagong-based shipowners.

These 1,200 ships carry cargo from various ghats (riverfront terminals) at Chittagong seaport, as well as Mirpur, Baghabari, Nagarbari, Noapara, Khulna and Barishal. They play a crucial role in meeting the cargo transportation needs of almost all of Bangladesh through inland maritime routes.
Source: The Financial Express