Iran-US conflict: Bangladesh in close contact with vessel at UAE port

Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) is maintaining close communication with its vessel, MV Banglar Joyjatra, now berthed at the Port of Jebel Ali in the UAE, following heightened regional tensions linked to the Iran-US conflict.

All 31 Bangladeshi crew members on board the ship are safe, while cargo unloading operations at the port have been temporarily suspended, according to the BSC.

The bulk carrier arrived in the UAE on February 27 from Mesaieed, Qatar, carrying 38,800 tonnes of steel coils.

BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek told The Daily Star that they held a Zoom meeting with the ship’s master yesterday morning and provided detailed safety and security instructions.

“The master has been advised to remain extra vigilant, ensure strict access control during port stay, and maintain high crew morale,” Malek said.

All crew members are in contact with their family members, he added.

Only one out of seven vessels owned by the BSC is currently in the Gulf region. Other vessels are in ports and regions such as the USA, Canada, Senegal, Russia, Pakistan, and Liberia.

Mentioning that usually two or three of their ships stay in the Gulf states on a regular basis, the BSC managing director said it is a relief that only one ship, Banglar Joyjatra, is now in the region and that it is berthed at the port jetty, which is apparently the safest area, where the crew can take shelter at the port in case of emergency.

The corporation has also directed the vessel to maintain sufficient provisions and water on board and to follow all port security instructions while keeping BSC informed of developments.

Crew members have been briefed on emergency safety procedures, including designated “take cover” locations in case of any port-side incidents, BSC officials said.

Malek noted that the state minister for shipping and the director general of shipping have been informed of the situation.

The corporation described crew safety as its top priority as it continues to monitor developments in the region.

Shipping Companies Advise Vessels to Avoid the Gulf

Global shipping companies on Saturday advised vessels to avoid navigation through the Gulf as conflict flared between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

France’s CMA CGM, the world’s third-largest container line, issued an advisory for its customers considering the evolving security situation in the Middle East and the restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

In the advisory, CMA CGM instructed all vessels inside and bound for the Persian Gulf to proceed to shelter with immediate effect.

It also suspended passage through the Suez Canal until further notice and asked vessels to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope.

It is worth mentioning that a BSC vessel, Banglar Samriddhi, stranded near the Ukrainian port of Olvia, was damaged, and a Bangladeshi mariner on board was killed in a bomb attack on March 1, 2022, during the Russia-Ukraine war.