Industrialists have bought lighter ships to transport imported raw materials from ports to factories by river in less time and at lower cost. Multiple industry groups have invested in this sector after benefiting from the transportation of goods on their own lighter ships. However, they are not authorised to transport 100% of their imported goods on their own ships now. They have to transport 50% of their imported goods in chartered ships.
The Department of Shipping has issued an emergency notification on 25 August, which indirectly contained such instructions. It was said in the notification that the policy of 2013 has to be followed for the transportation of imported goods from big ships in the waters around Chattogram port. It also called for legal action against boat owners, masters and sailors who would disobey orders.
Article 5.9 of the policy states that 50% of the raw materials imported by the cement factory should be transported by ships under the control of the Water Transport Cell (WTC).
Chief Engineer and Ship Surveyor of the Department of Shipping Manjurul Kabir said that new instructions have been given for the implementation of the policy. If necessary, the rent will be rescheduled or a new decision will be taken in consultation with all parties.
