Two container vessels collided at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port, leaving both ships damaged and disrupting cargo operations. The incident involved the Maersk Chattogram, operated by global shipping giant Maersk Line, and HR Turag, owned by domestic operator Karnaphuli Group.
The collision took place on Friday while preparations were underway to bring the vessels from the outer anchorage to the port’s main jetties, according to sources.
Following the accident, both ships sustained damage and remained at the anchorage before later being brought to the port. On Sunday morning, the vessels were berthed at the main jetty, where container unloading operations are now in progress.
The two vessels were carrying around 2,000 TEUs of imported containers. However, shipping agents said that despite damage to the vessels, cargo suffered no significant damage.
In response to the incident, a three-member investigation committee has been formed, comprising officials from the Department of Shipping and the Chittagong Port Authority. The committee has been tasked with determining the cause of the incident and assessing the extent of damage.
Both Maersk Line and HR Line have traded blame over the collision.
Chattogram Port spokesperson and Secretary Syed Refaet Hamim told The Times of Bangladesh that detailed information regarding the accident could be provided by the respective shipping agents.
HR Lines Limited Senior Executive Director Anis Ud Daula said their vessel HR Turag was struck by a Maersk Line ship at the outer anchorage. He said the extent of damage is yet to be fully assessed. The vessel was carrying 749 TEUs of import cargo from Singapore and berthed at NCT Jetty No. 4 on 3 May.
On the other hand, a senior Maersk Line official, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed they have video evidence showing the HR Line vessel hitting their ship. He added that after unloading containers, the vessel would be taken to a dockyard for further inspection and repairs.
The Maersk Chattogram had arrived carrying around 1,000 containers from Port Klang, Malaysia.
Captain Sheikh Jalal Uddin Gazi, Principal Officer of the Mercantile Marine Office, confirmed that an investigation is underway. He said a three-member committee has been formed to investigate the cause of the collision and assess the damages incurred.
