A Bangladesh-flagged vessel that had been stranded in the Gulf region for about four and a half months successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz early today (23 June), the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) has said.
The vessel, Banglar Joyjatra, crossed the strategic waterway at 3am Bangladesh time and sailed towards Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates for bunkering and bottom-cleaning operations, according to a press release.
Built in 2018, the bulk carrier has a deadweight capacity of 38,894 tonnes and carries a crew of 31 Bangladeshi nationals, all of whom are safe and in good health.
According to the BSC, the vessel entered Middle Eastern waters on 26 January under a Singapore-based charter arrangement.
It initially transported 39,000 tonnes of steel coils from Qatar’s Mesaieed Port to Jebel Ali Port in the UAE and completed cargo discharge on 11 March despite heightened regional tensions, the statement says.
To maintain commercial operations amid the uncertainty, the BSC later deployed the vessel to Ras Al Khair Port in Saudi Arabia, where it loaded around 37,000 tonnes of fertiliser bound for Cape Town and Durban in South Africa.
The corporation said the vessel remained on hire throughout the period and did not lose any charter income.
However, escalating security concerns around the Strait of Hormuz prevented the ship from leaving the region.
The BSC said the vessel remained stranded after transit permission through the strait was denied in April, forcing it to wait for months in the Gulf before receiving clearance to proceed.
The corporation said the successful transit followed continuous monitoring and guidance from senior government officials, including the prime minister, and described the development as a significant achievement for Bangladesh’s maritime sector.
It also praised the vessel’s crew for their professionalism and resilience during the prolonged period of uncertainty.
The BSC said uninterrupted supplies of food, water, fuel and other essentials were maintained throughout the ordeal, while additional allowances and incentives were provided to support the seafarers’ welfare.
Source: https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/banglar-joyjatra-clears-strait-hormuz-after-four-and-half-month-ordeal-1469926
