MV Banglar Joyjatra Turns Back While Heading Toward Strait of Hormuz

The state-owned company Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC)’s vessel MV Banglar Joyjatra has left the port of Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates but has now become stranded with 31 sailors near the port of Sharjah. The vessel’s next destination was the port of Mumbai in India. To reach there, it would have to cross the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. However, due to the ongoing war situation, ship movement through this crucial waterway has effectively been suspended. Although the vessel had set sail to proceed, members of the UAE Coast Guard advised it not to travel through the route at this moment.

According to BSC sources, the vessel MV Banglar Joyjatra departed from the port of Mesaieed in Qatar on February 27 carrying 38,800 tonnes of steel coils and arrived at Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates. Due to the ongoing war situation, the vessel berthed at jetty number 10 of the port the following day. When attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran began, the unloading of cargo was delayed. Later, the unloading process started and was completed on Wednesday.

After unloading the cargo, MV Banglar Joyjatra set sail toward the Strait of Hormuz to proceed to its next destination. However, members of the UAE Coast Guard advised the vessel not to cross the risky route at this time, after which the ship turned back. According to BSC officials, the vessel is currently anchored about 80 nautical miles away from the port limits of Sharjah.

A BSC official said that the day after the vessel berthed at Jebel Ali Port, a missile strike hit an oil reservoir only about 200 meters away, causing a fire. Moreover, seeing continuous movement of ammunition and missiles in the sky has left the sailors aboard MV Banglar Joyjatra frightened and anxious.

Meanwhile, the ship’s captain Shafiqul Islam has requested prayers from the people of the country through a video message.

Managing Director of Bangladesh Shipping Corporation, Commodore Mahmudul Malek said that the vessel MV Banglar Joyjatra, carrying 31 sailors, anchored near the port of Sharjah after unloading cargo at Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates. He said they are maintaining regular communication with the ship’s master through Zoom. The vessel has sufficient supplies including several months’ worth of water, dry food, other food items, and adequate fuel. Communication is maintained through video calls whenever necessary, and all crew members have been instructed to follow safety and security guidelines.

He further said that the vessel’s next destination was supposed to be the port of Mumbai in India. However, since the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, the route cannot be crossed at the moment. Meanwhile, an order has been received to transport a steel cargo from a port in Qatar to Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates. As the vessel is already in that area, they will discuss with the captain whether it is possible to take that charter.

Commodore Mahmudul Malek also said that besides this vessel, six other ships owned by Bangladesh Shipping Corporation are currently at different ports around the world, including in the United States and Canada, and they are safe.

Earlier, on March 1, 2022, during the Russia–Ukraine War, a BSC vessel named MV Banglar Samriddhi was damaged by a bomb attack near the port of Olvia in Ukraine, and one Bangladeshi sailor was killed. Later, the vessel was declared abandoned by BSC.

It is known that the bulk carrier MV Banglar Joyjatra was added to the fleet of Bangladesh Shipping Corporation in 2018. The vessel, with a capacity of 39,000 tonnes, was built by China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CMC). The ship was purchased through joint financing with the government of China.