Tourist ship services between Cox’s Bazar and St Martin’s Island will resume on Thursday with three authorised vessels set to begin operations after weeks of delay caused by administrative complications.
The vessels – MV Baro Aulia, MV Karnaphuli and MV Teknaf-have received the necessary approvals from government agencies and clearance from the district administration, allowing them to start carrying tourists to the island.
Hossain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association of Bangladesh (SCOAB), confirmed the development.
“Regardless of the number of tourists, we are prepared to resume ship operations from Thursday morning. All necessary approvals have been obtained. Regular passenger services will now begin,” he said.
The three vessels, approved by the Department of Shipping and the Department of Environment, have a combined passenger capacity of 2,298. MV Baro Aulia can carry 850 passengers, MV Karnaphuli 732 and MV Teknaf 716.
According to the schedule, MV Baro Aulia will leave Nunia Chara jetty on the Bankkhali River in Cox’s Bazar at 7am and depart St Martin’s for the return journey at 2:30pm.
MV Karnaphuli will leave at 7:15am and return at 2:15pm, while MV Teknaf will depart at 8:15am and leave the island at 3:30pm.
Although the government reopened St Martin’s Island to tourists on 1 November, ship services remained suspended until the necessary arrangements and approvals were completed.
Under the revised government guidelines, tourists will be allowed to visit the island and stay overnight from 1 November to 15 March.
Each visitor will have to pay Tk100 as an environmental conservation fee. A travel pass and a QR code-enabled ticket will also be mandatory.
The government has set a daily limit of 3,500 tourists for the island.
Several restrictions will remain in force to protect St Martin’s fragile ecosystem and biodiversity.
Lighting, loud noise and barbecue parties are prohibited on the beach and adjoining areas at night. Entering the Keya forest, collecting its fruits, and buying or selling them are also prohibited.
Tourists are barred from activities that could damage local wildlife and marine biodiversity, including sea turtles, birds, coral, snails, oysters, starfish, horseshoe crabs, seagrass and algae.
The use of motorcycles, sea bikes and other vehicles on the beach is also prohibited.
