A Correspondent:
Chattogram: A total of 14 fuel-carrying ships are currently at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port and are expected to arrive for berthing soon.
Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) has decided to prioritize berthing facilities for these ships to ensure a smooth fuel supply system for both the government and private sectors. Among the 14 ships, there are 5 LNG and 2 LPG carriers from Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as vessels transport-ing diesel and furnace oil from Singapore and Malaysia.
The decision was made during a coordination meeting chaired by Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruz-zaman to ensure an uninterrupted supply chain and bunkering of fuel oil, CPA Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim confirmed this decision yesterday.
The meeting aimed to improve the fuel supply system by assessing demand in a coordinated manner and prioritizing berthing facilities for fuel-carrying ships. Port members, senior officials, BPC, Department of Shipping, Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Coast Guard, Omera Fuel Limited, Padma Oil Company, Bangladesh Oceangoing Ship Owners Association, Coastal Ship Owners Association of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Ship Handling and Berth Operators Association, and other stakeholders attended the meet-ing, among others.
The port secretary reported that the fuel supply system in the country is functioning normally despite global conflicts and oil market instability. The continuous arrival of fuel-carrying ships at the port will ensure an orderly supply chain. The meeting highlighted that the impact of global geopolitical issues is minimal in Bangladesh, as the main sources of fuel for ships at Chattogram Port are Singapore and Ma-laysia.
The port authority confirmed that there are no issues in the fuel supply system despite the quick docking of fuel-carrying ships. Representatives at the meeting stated that the country’s current fuel reserves are sufficient, and there is ample capacity to meet demand.
There is no crisis in fulfilling the needs of the maritime, commercial, and industrial sectors. The port authority also assured that operational activities and logistical support at the port remain uninterrupted.
Law enforcement agencies have enhanced security of ships at the outer anchorage.
