by Priya Radünzel, SeaNewsEditor

Maritime ports in Bangladesh have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal 3 due to a low-pressure system in West Bengal and adjoining areas.

This weather system is expected to bring light to moderate rain, thunder showers, and gusty winds across Bangladesh, with some regions experiencing moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Concerns have been raised about potential waterlogging and flash flooding, particularly in the southeastern districts.

Challenges at the Port of Chittagong

The port of Chittagong is facing significant challenges due to congestion at the berth and in the container yard, following extended Eid holidays and customs strikes.

Local sources report that berthing delays are averaging 6 to 8 days. The extended discharge operations are resulting in limited export loads, including empty containers, contributing to yard congestion. To manage yard utilisation, the pre-stacking of both empty and full containers for exports has been restricted.

Additionally, the low productivity is being exacerbated by labour shortages and equipment breakdowns.

Major CFS locations are also facing slower productivity and truck waiting queues due to the recent customs strikes.

Considering the congestion and berthing delays, Kuehne+Nagel requests customers to remain flexible in their cargo handover schedules based on the confirmed vessel schedules.

For information about your shipment, please contact your local Kuehne+Nagel representative.

For the latest port and vessel statuses or situation updates, please refer to the seaexplorer alert map.