The Bangladeshi flagged carrying vessel MV Banglar Joyjatra, which had been stranded in the Persian Gulf due to recent tensions in the Middle East, has finally resumed its voyage following a ceasefire.
According to sources, the ship, owned by Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), lifted anchor early Wednesday to cross the Strait of Hormuz. A total of 31 Bangladeshi sailors are currently onboard the vessel.
Sources said that after days of uncertainty, the situation has started to stabilize, allowing the ship to begin its journey toward a safer destination.
Data from vessel tracking agency MarineTraffic shows that around 12 pm Wednesday, the ship departed from Ras Al Khair Port in Saudi Arabia and was at the outer anchorage of Dammam Port. At that time, it was moving at a speed of 8.30 knots, with a draft of 10.80 meters.
Chief Engineer Rashedul Hasan said the vessel is carrying around 37,000 tonnes of fertilizer loaded from Ras Al Khair Port.
“Following the ceasefire, we have lifted anchor and are heading toward the Strait of Hormuz. We are currently about 425 nautical miles away, and it may take at least 40 hours to cross the strait,” he added.
According to BSC sources, the vessel entered the Persian Gulf on February 2 after transporting goods from India. Later, it loaded steel coils from a port in Qatar and reached Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates on February 27.
However, tensions escalated in the region after attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel the following day. Iran’s retaliatory strikes further destabilized the Middle East, forcing the vessel to alter its planned route and remain in the Persian Gulf due to security concerns.
Although the cargo was unloaded at Jebel Ali Port on March 11 and the vessel was scheduled to head to Kuwait for new cargo, the plan was suspended due to the ongoing conflict. BSC then decided to bring the ship back to a safer route.
Earlier attempts to cross the Strait of Hormuz were aborted due to security risks. With the recent ceasefire improving the situation, Banglar Joyjatra has now resumed its journey.
Officials said that after safely crossing the Strait of Hormuz, the vessel is expected to continue its voyage toward Cape Town Port in South Africa.
