The shipping ministry has ordered importers to clear cargo from lighter vessels within three days or face legal action. To resolve the lighter vessel crisis, the shipping directorate has formed three special task forces. The task forces have enabled delivery of 735 lighter vessels to mother vessels outside the port. A “Lighter Vessel Management Software” app, launched on Jan 30, also allows real-time tracking of vessels. Since Jan 15, the task forces have inspected 455 lighter vessels along rivers, including Shitalakkhya, Dhaleshwari, Buriganga, Meghna, Karnaphuli, and Bhairab.
