Assistant Harbour Master of the Chattogram Port Authority, Captain Asif Ahmed, has been nominated for the prestigious International Maritime Organization (IMO) Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea 2026 in recognition of his heroic actions that prevented a potentially catastrophic maritime disaster in the Karnaphuli Channel earlier this year.
The award is scheduled to be presented on December 14, 2026, honoring Captain Asif’s exceptional courage, professionalism and decisive leadership during a critical emergency involving a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier.
The incident occurred on January 20, 2026, when Captain Asif was overseeing the berthing of the 159.9-metre Liberian-flagged LPG carrier Gas Harmony at the United Tank Terminal Jetty. The vessel was carrying 515 metric tonnes of propane and 4,570 metric tonnes of butane, both highly flammable cargoes.
As the vessel approached the jetty, it suddenly suffered a complete engine and steering failure without warning. With the strong current in the Karnaphuli River, the ship became uncontrollable and drifted rapidly toward the nearby KAFCO Ammonia Jetty, creating the risk of a catastrophic collision.
According to chattogram port press release, if the gas-laden vessel had struck the ammonia jetty, it could have triggered a chain of explosions, causing massive casualties, severe damage to port infrastructure and prolonged disruption to the country’s principal seaport.
Faced with only seconds to respond, Captain Asif took immediate command of the emergency. He ordered the vessel’s emergency anchor to be dropped while simultaneously directing port tugboats to pull the ship away from danger. Throughout the operation, he maintained constant coordination with the port’s Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) to ensure precise maneuvering.
His swift and calculated actions successfully halted the drifting vessel, bringing it to a safe stop just 1.2 metres from the jetty structure without any collision or damage.
Port officials said Captain Asif’s professionalism, technical expertise and personal courage prevented what could have been one of the country’s worst industrial and environmental disasters, saving countless lives and protecting vital national infrastructure.
His actions have already earned international recognition, including a formal certificate of appreciation from the master and owners of Gas Harmony.
The IMO’s Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea is regarded as one of the highest honors in the global maritime industry. It recognizes individuals who display extraordinary courage and exceptional professional skill in saving lives, protecting the marine environment and preventing major maritime disasters, often at great personal risk.
