Shipping operations have resumed at Chattogram port after the grounded container vessel MV CNC Uranus was successfully refloated in an overnight rescue operation.
The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) said in a press release Tuesday night that the operation was jointly conducted by CPA, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard.
The Malta‑flagged vessel was moved from the Karnaphuli River estuary and anchored at Bravo Anchorage. Port officials confirmed vessel movements and cargo handling have returned to normal.
CPA spokesperson Syed Refayet Hamim said the 170‑metre‑long ship, built in 2017, lost control due to mechanical failure while entering the river channel around 2:15pm Monday. It struck Red Buoy No. 2 before running aground on the protective embankment near the river mouth.
The vessel had arrived from Shikou Port in China carrying 1,282 TEUs of containers with 24 crew members on board, sailing with a draft of 9.5 metres. Its local agent is APL (Bangladesh).
CPA launched an immediate rescue operation, led by senior pilots with tugboats Kandari‑2, Kandari‑4, Kandari‑6 and Kandari‑11, assisted by Navy tug Shibsa, a Karnaphuli Tunnel tug and a Coast Guard tug. Navy and Coast Guard personnel also worked to secure the navigation channel.
Contingency plans to unload cargo were prepared but ultimately not needed. The vessel was refloated overnight without discharging containers.
CPA said the channel remained safe and port activities continued without major disruption. No casualties or environmental incidents were reported.
The authority praised the coordinated efforts of pilots, tug crews, marine officials, Navy and Coast Guard in completing the mission.
It added that the operation demonstrates Chattogram Port’s capacity to respond effectively to maritime emergencies while safeguarding trade. The port handles about 92 per cent of Bangladesh’s seaborne import and export cargo.
