Home ›› 20 Jun 2022 ›› Front
International shipping companies have imposed a number of restrictions on the transportation of hazardous chemicals, also known as dangerous goods or DG cargo, to and from Bangladesh.
The shipping lines have refused to carry all types of DG cargo exports and at least four types of DG cargo imports, according to relevant sources.
As a result, a number of hydrogen peroxide containers have become stranded at the Chattogram port’s Inland Container Depots (ICD), which house all exports.
The move follows the massive explosions that occurred in a container full of chemicals at the Chattogram port earlier this month.
Md Wahid, general manager of Ocean International Ltd, a local shipping agent for Hyundai Merchant Marine, an international mainline operator, said, “In the aftermath of the BM Depot disaster, serious fear and anxiety have been created in the shipping sector in handling DG cargo. Many hazardous chemicals are no longer being transported.”
“Furthermore, many consignment owners are failing to follow the specific guidelines that importers are required to follow when unloading chemical cargo, which is why we have decided not to transport chemical products to Bangladesh,” he added.
DG Cargo is likely to be explosive, flammable, toxic, radioactive, corrosive, and environmentally hazardous, especially when transported in large quantities.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations agency in charge of international shipping, is urging countries to pay more attention to the safety of dangerous goods while handling and storing DG cargo.
According to some shipping lines, under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, shippers must fill out DG declarations and other related documents for shipside and shoreside emergency measures, which are frequently violated by Bangladeshi shippers.
According to the same sources, Bangladeshi shippers, particularly importers and exporters, have committed numerous violations of the IMDG code. Now that Chattogram port and customs authorities are strictly enforcing the IMDG code when transporting DG cargo from Bangladeshi shippers, shipping agents may face harassment.
Meanwhile, the Singapore Port Authority, the main transit port of Bangladeshi goods, has also restricted receiving any dangerous cargoes, especially hydrogen peroxide, from Bangladesh.
Bangladesh exported around 72.3 million kilogrammes of hydrogen peroxide in FY 2021-22.
CPA for safe DG cargo handling
On June 13, the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) requested that importers have their hazardous chemicals released from the port within 72 hours of arrival, as part of a series of measures taken by the authorities to ensure safe handling of DG cargo and avoid any accidents.
It also made a number of recommendations, including constructing separate hazardous goods sheds with advanced technology and putting all DG cargo yards under 24-hour CCTV surveillance.
It also asked all stakeholders to comply with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) codes, use the standard packing system, and mark the DG cargo with appropriate stickers.
Among other directives, the CPA prohibited carrying DG cargo in damaged containers and asked importers to submit necessary documents to the authorities concerned before 24 hours of the cargo’s arrival. It also urged leading trade bodies, including the FBCCI and the BGMEA, to encourage their members for the fast release of hazardous chemicals. Among others, it prohibited carrying lighters and cigarettes to the reserved areas of the port and restricted entry to hazardous chemical jetties.
The CPA also recommended clearing hazardous and perishable items in the first auction or spot auctions.
It also suggested legal action against those who fail to get their imported goods delivered within the deadline.
