After four and a half months of uncertainty, heightened geopolitical tensions and sustained diplomatic efforts, Bangladesh Shipping Corporation’s (BSC) state-owned bulk carrier MV Banglar Joyjatra has successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, ending one of the longest operational disruptions faced by a Bangladeshi merchant vessel in recent years.
The 38,894-deadweight-ton (DWT) vessel safely transited the Strait around 3am Bangladesh time on Tuesday. It is now heading to Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, where it will take bunker fuel and undergo bottom cleaning before continuing its voyage to Durban, South Africa, carrying approximately 37,000 tonnes of fertilizer.
Confirming the development, BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek said the successful transit marked the end of an exceptionally challenging period.
He said, “By the grace of Almighty Allah, after remaining stranded in the Gulf region for four and a half months, MV Banglar Joyjatra successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz around 3am Bangladesh time on 23 June.”
He credited the successful outcome to the leadership of the government, continuous guidance from the Ministry of Shipping and the coordinated efforts of BSC officials. He also praised the professionalism and resilience of the ship’s captain and crew and thanked the media for consistently highlighting the issue.
Captain Shafiqul Islam, who commands the vessel, also confirmed the successful passage. He said, “We are now heading towards Fujairah. I sincerely thank everyone who prayed for us and stood by us throughout this difficult period.”
Crisis triggered by regional conflict
The vessel entered the Middle East on 26 January under a Singapore-based charter agreement after carrying around 39,000 tonnes of steel coils from Mesaieed Port, Qatar, to Jebel Ali Port, United Arab Emirates.
Although the ship successfully discharged its cargo on 11 March, the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Gulf region, driven by escalating military tensions, prevented it from leaving through the Strait of Hormuz.
Commercial Operations Continued Despite Crisis
Rather than leaving the vessel idle, BSC adopted a commercial contingency plan to prevent financial losses.
The ship was redirected to Ras Al-Khair Port, Saudi Arabia, where it loaded around 37,000 tonnes of fertilizer destined for South Africa.
According to BSC officials, the vessel remained continuously under charter throughout the crisis and was not off-hire for a single day, allowing the corporation to continue earning charter revenue despite the prolonged delay.
Iranian Restrictions Prolonged the Wait
Despite completing cargo loading, the vessel remained trapped inside the Persian Gulf after Iranian authorities declined permission on 18 April for it to transit the Strait of Hormuz, citing security concerns arising from the regional conflict.
As the deadlock continued, the Bangladesh government maintained diplomatic communication through multiple channels while BSC closely monitored the evolving security situation.
With conditions eventually improving, the vessel finally received clearance and completed the transit safely.
All 31 Bangladeshi Sailors Remained Safe
Throughout the prolonged stay in the Gulf, all 31 Bangladeshi crew members remained safe.
BSC ensured uninterrupted supplies of food, drinking water, fuel and other essential provisions. To maintain morale, the corporation also provided special meal allowances, Eid incentives and additional “war wages” for the crew.
A Milestone. in Maritime Crisis Management
According to a press release, BSC believes the successful handling of the crisis represents a significant achievement for Bangladesh’s maritime sector.
The corporation said it successfully safeguarded the vessel, protected its commercial interests by avoiding financial losses, ensured the welfare of its crew and ultimately completed one of the world’s most sensitive maritime transits amid an active regional conflict.
Officials described the coordinated response by the government, the Ministry of Shipping, BSC management and the ship’s captain and crew as a model of effective maritime crisis management that could serve as an important case study for handling similar international shipping emergencies in the future.
