15 ships heading to Ctg port, another LNG cargo en route from Qatar

Fifteen ships that crossed the Strait of Hormuz before the start of US-Israeli military operations in the Middle East have begun arriving safely at Chattogram port. Meanwhile, for the first time since the conflict began, another ship carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) has set sail from Qatar towards Bangladesh and is currently en route. This information was obtained from Chattogram port sources and international media on Saturday, March 7.

According to Chattogram port sources, 15 ships departing from various Middle Eastern ports managed to cross the Strait of Hormuz and enter the Arabian Sea safely before the start of US-Israeli military operations on February 28. They are now arriving at Chattogram port in phases, and cargo unloading operations are underway. These ships carry LNG, LPG, various types of fuel oil, and industrial raw materials.

Port Authority Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim told the media, "The 15 ships that crossed the Strait of Hormuz before the escalation of tensions in the Middle East have begun arriving at Chattogram port. These ships carry LNG, fuel oil and various industrial raw materials. Necessary security and management have been strengthened to maintain normal operations of berthing, cargo unloading and supply at the port."

It has been reported that among the ships, 'Al Zor' and 'Al Jasasia', carrying LNG from Qatar's Ras Laffan port, have already arrived. Additionally, 'Sevan' carrying LPG will arrive on Sunday, 'Lusail' on Monday, and 'Al Galayel' next Wednesday. These ships carry approximately 247,000 tonnes of LNG, which will meet the gas demand of the country's power plants and industries.

On the other hand, a Bloomberg report said Qatar has sent an LNG cargo ship for the first time since the war began. Qatar had suspended fuel production and declared force majeure after the US-Israeli operations began on February 28. Amidst this, the ship named 'Lebraeth' departed from Ras Laffan terminal on Friday, March 6, and has begun its journey towards Bangladesh. The ship is currently en route and is expected to arrive at Chattogram port on March 14.

However, uncertainty remains over whether this shipment will ultimately reach its destination. The Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world's total LNG supply is transported, is effectively closed to commercial ships due to the ongoing conflict. Although Iran has confirmed that it has not closed the Strait of Hormuz, it has only imposed restrictions on US and Israeli ships.

It is noteworthy that Bangladesh's goods transport with Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia uses the Strait of Hormuz.