The decades-long era of manual hassles for lighter vessel owners and agents has concluded with the introduction of the Jahaji App, an app-based serial allocation service launched by the Department of Shipping.
Under this new digital framework, essential processes including serial entry, allocation, piloting, clearance, and demurrage settlement will be conducted electronically.
The initiative aims to resolve longstanding criticisms regarding delays, irregularities, and the lack of transparency that characterised the manual application process at the Bangladesh Water Transport Coordination Cell (BWTCC) office in Agrabad.
The software was officially inaugurated on Friday, at the BWTCC conference room in Agrabad.
Mirza Saifur Rahman, chief engineer and ship surveyor of the Department of Shipping, attended as the chief guest, while the event was presided over by Haji Shafiq Ahmed, convener of BWTCC.
In its initial phase, approximately 700 lighter vessels operating from Chattogram Port across various inland waterways have been integrated into the system, with each vessel paying a monthly service charge of Tk 1,000 to the developer, Jahaji Software.
Enhancing transparency and efficiency
Addressing the ceremony, Mirza Saifur Rahman noted that stakeholders had raised concerns over the inefficiencies of the manual system.
He highlighted that the app would resolve these issues by digitising complex procedures such as piloting and demurrage settlement, which will be integrated gradually.
Technical support for the project, which was in development for more than three and a half years, was provided by Jahaji Limited, the first technology-based organisation in the nation’s inland shipping sector.
Other speakers at the programme included Captain Sheikh Md. Jalal Uddin Gazi of the Mercantile Marine Office, Parvez Ahmed of IVOAC, Narottam Chandra Saha (Palash) of the Chattogram Water Transport Local Agents Association, and Belayet Hossain of Litmond Shipping Limited.
Advanced features and industry impact
The Jahaji App utilises geo-fencing technology to automatically assign a vessel’s serial once it enters a designated area, ensuring a first-come, first-served allocation. To prevent bias or external influence, cargo demand from agents is matched with available vessels through a digital lottery system.
The application also features real-time berthing lists, SOS alerts for maritime accidents, weather updates, staff profiles, mileage tracking, and a digital piloting coupon system. During the launch, vessel owners also urged the authorities to eventually incorporate an oil measurement and tracking system into the platform.
Kajal Abdullah, co-founder and CEO of Jahaji Limited, informed the TIMES of Bangladesh that the app is designed to be user-friendly for both sailors and stakeholders.
He expressed expectations that the number of participating vessels would grow to include those owned by various industrial groups. BWTCC officials remain optimistic that this automation will elevate the shipping sector to international standards and contribute to the country’s blue economy goals.
