The MV CNC Uranus, which arrived at Chattogram Port on August 3, has been penalized Taka one crore by the Chattogram Port Authority for concealing a defect in its steering gear. This fine, along with an additional Taka 15 lakh as 15 percent VAT, brings the total amount to Taka 1.15 crore that must be deposited into the port fund. The penalty was officially handed down on August 10, revealed by the port authority on August 11.
The fine was imposed due to the ship’s master and the local shipping agent, APL (Bangladesh) Private Limited, not disclosing the steering gear defect when providing information to the port pilots. This crucial detail was only revealed just before the vessel entered the port channel, posing significant risks to the safety of the port, the ship, pilots, port facilities, and other vessels.
On August 5, the MV CNC Uranus lost control while navigating the port channel, leading to a collision with a navigation buoy and a retaining wall. The ship became stuck but was later successfully freed in a rescue operation conducted overnight. The port authority's office order, signed by Captain Mohammad Zahirul Islam, the Chattogram Port Harbor Master, highlights the severe consequences of operating a vessel with undisclosed defects.
The penalty reflects the port authority's commitment to maintaining safety standards and ensuring all vessels comply with necessary regulations. The port fund will receive the fine and VAT through two separate pay orders. The incident underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to safety protocols in maritime operations.
This incident has raised concerns about the practices of the ship’s master and the shipping agent, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight and compliance. The MV CNC Uranus's master and agent now face financial repercussions for their actions, which could have had catastrophic implications had the defect been overlooked.
