12 ships from Strait of Hormuz arrive at Ctg port

A total of 12 ships that navigated through the Strait of Hormuz have arrived at the outer anchorage of Chattogram port ahead of escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel. 

Among the ships, four are carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG), two are transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and six are loaded with cement industry raw materials, including clinker, gypsum, and limestone.

Three more vessels are expected later this week.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime route for goods from Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, to Bangladesh.

Khairul Alam Sujan, former director of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, said the vessels departed the strait before hostilities began and are now anchored near Chattogram Port. “A few ships remain en route. Ship movements are expected to resume normal operations swiftly if the strait remains secure,” he added.

Port sources confirmed that two LNG carriers from Qatar, Al Zor and Al Jasasia, carrying 126,000 tons, have already reached the port. The LPG vessel Sevan is scheduled to arrive on Sunday, March 8, while two additional LNG ships, Lusail (March 9) and Al Galayel (March 11), will bring the total LNG supply to approximately 247,000 tons.

Several ships carrying cement raw materials have also reached the port, totaling around 515,000 tons sourced from the Gulf region.

In the 2024–25 fiscal year, Bangladesh imported nearly $600 million worth of goods via the Strait of Hormuz, with fuel products accounting for the majority of shipments.

MDIH/MHK