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CHITTAGONG, Sept 17: Rapid downloading of consignments of imported goods from the mother vessels is being hampered at the outer anchorage of Chittagong Port (CP) due to inadequate lighterage vessels.
As a result, goods-laden vessels are compelled to stay at the port for a longer period and pay demurrage.
In this connection, Chattagram Bandar Lighterage Thikadar Samity president Safique Ahmed said unless the government allows import of lighterage vessels as per needs, the prevailing crisis is likely to intensify further. The lighterage vessel crisis is tarnishing the very image of the port abroad, he aleged.
If the large mother vessels are allowed to clear the goods at the outer anchorage as early as possible, a big amount of demurrage will be spared.
According to sources, lighterage vessels, needed for clearing the goods from the mother vessels at the outer anchorage, are not available as per requirement. It takes much time in downloading the goods leading to rise in expenditures and causing unbearable sufferings to the port users.
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