Bangladesh Shipping Corporation’s (BSC) vessel MV Banglar Joyjatra, which had remained stranded at Port Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, resumed cargo unloading this evening (2 March) after operations were suspended for three days.
“Operations resumed on Monday afternoon, and Banglar Joyjatra was scheduled to restart cargo unloading by 7pm local time,” BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek told The Business Standard.
The vessel and its crew remain safe, with sufficient food and water supplies onboard despite the disruption caused by regional security concerns, BSC officials said.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard’s Google news channel The state-owned vessel is carrying 38,800 tonnes of steel coils and arrived at the UAE port on 27 February after departing from Mesaieed, Qatar.
Commodore Malek said additional arrangements were made to ensure the well-being of the crew during the suspension period.
“There were already 73 tonnes of water onboard. We have loaded an additional 200 tonnes along with extra provisions, so there is no shortage of food or water,” he said.
He added that crew members normally receive a daily food allowance of $7 per person, which has been increased by an additional $5 per day to maintain morale during the uncertain situation.
“The crew members are in regular contact with their families, and we are also maintaining constant communication with them. All of them are in good health and in stable mental condition,” he said.
According to BSC, unloading the cargo is expected to take between 10 and 12 days. After completing operations, the vessel is scheduled to sail to Kuwait to load sulphur cargo before heading toward India.
However, the final decision on the vessel’s next movement will depend on regional security developments.
“Until the Strait of Hormuz is fully open, the ship will not be able to move out. The next steps will depend on how the situation evolves,” Commodore Malek said.
Shipping operations across parts of the Middle East have faced disruptions since Saturday, following escalating tensions after the United States and Israel jointly launched attacks on Iran. In response, Iran reportedly carried out missile strikes targeting several countries in the region, including the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, raising concerns over maritime security and cargo movement.
BSC officials said further decisions regarding the vessel’s schedule will be taken based on the evolving security situation at the port and across the region, as uncertainty continues to affect global shipping routes.
