B Mirror Report : Around 21 lakh tons of imported consumer goods are currently waiting to be unloaded from 46 vessels anchored at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port, as limited warehouse capacity and strong demand for lighter ships continue to slow cargo handling.
Business leaders have expressed concern over delays in clearing essential imports ahead of the Ramadan season, warning that the slowdown could affect market supply.
Port sources said the 46 ships at the outer anchorage are carrying a total of 23.46 lakh tons of goods. As of Thursday morning, approximately 11 lakh tons had been transferred, leaving nearly 12 lakh tons still pending.
In addition, 25 vessels transporting 13.5 lakh tons of wheat have arrived at the port, with about six lakh tons already unloaded. Seven ships brought 2.36 lakh tons of pulses including chickpeas, lentils and peas, of which 1.50 lakh tons have been cleared so far. Meanwhile, nine vessels carrying 4.39 lakh tons of oilseeds have seen around three lakh tons unloaded.
Officials at Chattogram Port said that daily transfers from large vessels to lighter ships average between 50,000 and 60,000 tons. These lighter ships then carry goods to various jetties and river terminals for final unloading. However, a shortage of warehouse space among importers is creating bottlenecks in the process.
According to the Bangladesh Water Transport Coordination Cell (WTCC), around 265 lighter ships have remained stuck at different wharves across the country for nearly one and a half months, including 122 vessels loaded with consumer goods.
Mejbah Uddin, Manager of MST Marine Enterprise, said importers are facing serious challenges in clearing cargo on time due to insufficient storage facilities. He added that the number of lighter ships currently operating has dropped to 1,022 from around 1,200, further hampering the movement of goods.
