Shipping ministry directs sanctioned vessels to follow regulations strictly

Dhaka: The shipping ministry on October 15 directed all concerned parties in the maritime operations of Bangladesh to strictly follow international and national regulations involving sanctioned vessels and cargo.

To this effect, the ministry issued a circular, signed by Commodore Mohammad Maksud Alam, Director General, Department of Shipping.

The move came amid criticism of alleged LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) import from Iran, a country sanctioned by the West and various international entities.

On October 13, a fire incident occurred during a ship-to-ship transfer of LPG from a Tanzania-flagged vessel named Captain Nikolas, which was carrying fuel, reportedly from Iran, in the Kutubdia anchorage area of Chattogram port, alleged the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB).

The circular urged stakeholders to avoid engagement with vessels sanctioned by the United Nations, United States of America, European Union or other relevant national/international authorities.

"Vessels involved in trade with sanctioned countries or entities pose a significant risk to national security and the reputation of our maritime sector," said the circular.

It added that no sanctioned cargo, regardless of its origin or destination, is permitted to be loaded, unloaded, transited, or stored within Bangladesh's jurisdiction—including goods subject to trade embargoes or restrictions due to international sanctions.

Non-compliance entities found violating these regulations will face severe penalties, including fines, suspension of operating licenses, and potential criminal charges, it further added.

"Bangladesh maritime authorities will continue to enforce stringent monitoring and inspections to ensure full compliance with these requirements," concluded the notice.