শনিবার, ১২ সেপ্টেম্বর ২০২৬
A Malta-flagged container vessel that ran aground in the Karnaphuli River navigation channel following a mechanical failure has been successfully refloated and moved to the port's 'B' (Bravo) Anchorage after an overnight multi-agency salvage operation, the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) said on Tuesday.
The authority confirmed that port operations and vessel movements remained uninterrupted throughout the incident, with no disruption to navigation or cargo handling.
According to a CPA press release, the 170-metre container vessel MV CNC URANUS (IMO: 9760627), arriving from Shekou Port, China, suffered a steering failure at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Monday while entering the Karnaphuli River channel. The vessel struck No. 2 Red Buoy before grounding against the river's retaining wall near the estuary.
The ship was carrying 1,282 TEUs at a draft of approximately 9.5 metres and had 24 crew members, including the master, on board. Its local shipping agent is APL (Bangladesh).
Immediately after the incident, the Chattogram Port Authority launched a coordinated salvage operation led by a senior port pilot. Port tugboats Kandari-2, Kandari-4, Kandari-6, and Kandari-11 participated in the operation, supported by the Bangladesh Navy's tug Shibsa, the Tunnel Tugboat, and the Bangladesh Coast Guard's tug Promotta.
Personnel from the Chattogram Port Authority, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard worked jointly to secure the navigation channel and ensure safe maritime operations. Authorities had also prepared contingency measures to offload containers if required to reduce the vessel's draft and facilitate refloating.
Following sustained overnight efforts, the salvage team successfully refloated the vessel and safely anchored it at Bravo Anchorage.
The Chattogram Port Authority said the navigation channel remained fully operational throughout the operation, with no interruption to vessel traffic or port activities. No casualties or environmental incidents were reported.
The authority commended the professionalism and coordinated efforts of the port pilots, tugboat crews, marine department personnel, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard for the successful recovery.
According to the CPA, the swift salvage operation played a vital role in ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of Bangladesh's principal maritime gateway. Approximately 92 percent of the country's import and export trade is handled through Chattogram Port.
