Chittagong is looking to up its game and shed its reputation for being a notorious blackspot for marine casualties.
The port authority has recently promulgated a new directive aimed at improving navigational safety in the port, reports the American P&I Club.
In response to the rising number of navigational incidents, the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has established new regulations and recommendations with immediate effect.
Vessels with a draft in excess of 9.5 meters must now notify the CPA outer anchorage cell at least three days prior to proceeding to the outer anchorage.
Permission to proceed will now be subject to the availability of “suitable sea room and the depth and extent of water” at the anchorage, the club said.
Pilotage is now said to be “highly recommended” for vessels having a draft in excess of 9.5 meters, and is also recommended for “all other vessels” maneuvering within the outer anchorage.
Earlier this year, the West of England P&I Club said it continued to see claims arising due to collisions between vessels underway and at anchor within the Chittagong anchorage area, with 50 such claims involving entered vessels recorded since 2013.
