Collision at Ctg Port: Damaged vessels moved to jetty, probe body formed
Rare collision at outer anchorage disrupts cargo flow, prompts high-risk operation
Two container vessels damaged in a collision at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port were brought to the jetty today (3 May) under special safety arrangements, as authorities moved to ease disruption to import cargo handling.
Confirming the matter to The Business Standard, Nautical Surveyor Captain Sheikh Md Jalal Uddin Gazi said the Mercantile Marine Department has formed a three-member committee to investigate the incident and submit a report within seven working days.
The vessels – Maersk Chattogram and HR Turag – had remained stranded since Friday after colliding while carrying import containers.
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To bring them to the jetty, port authorities established a controlled navigation corridor from the estuary to the New Mooring Container Terminal, temporarily suspending general vessel movement. Each vessel was escorted by three tugboats, with additional support on standby, while operations were monitored through the Vessel Traffic Management System.
Port officials said such simultaneous damage to two cargo vessels at the outer anchorage is rare, prompting the deployment of additional personnel to manage the situation.
Captain Zahirul Islam, deputy conservator of the port, said the decision was taken to prevent prolonged delays in cargo handling.
"A large number of import containers had remained stuck since Friday. Considering the economic impact, we brought the vessels in under strict safety arrangements," he said.
The vessels are carrying nearly 2,900 import containers in total. Both will unload cargo but will not take export shipments, as they are currently unfit for sea voyages.
Shipping officials said the vessels will be sent to dockyards for repairs after damage assessments and seaworthiness clearance.
Earlier on Friday, the vessel Z9K Maersk Chattogram (V-612A/614N) struck HR Turag at around 9:30am while approaching the pilot station near BDCGP, causing structural damage but no casualties.
Preliminary reports indicate the impact damaged the aft section of the Maersk vessel. "The damage is limited to the external hull. The engine and steering gear remain in good condition," a statement quoting the vessel's captain and chief engineer said.
A secretary of the Chattogram Port Authority confirmed the collision, noting that it occurred before the piloting process began.
Mahmudul Karim, head of operations at Maersk Bangladesh, told TBS that a decision on the vessels' next steps will be taken after unloading.
Authorities said safety measures have been strengthened following the incident, including keeping additional tugboats on standby.
