Dwaipayan Barua, Ctg

Chattogram port authorities have delayed scheduled berthing of three vessels due to acute space shortage at its yard designated to imported goods-laden containers.

The situation occurred due to limited transport coverage and slow delivery of containers amid the countrywide shutdown over coronavirus.

On Thursday, the port authorities canceled berthing of vessels named MV Tzini, MV MCC Danang and MV BLPL Grace, said sources.

In an unusual turn of events, the vessels were denied berth for space shortage and not for occupied jetties, they said, adding that three jetties were vacant on the day.

Meanwhile, a vessel -- MV Xpress Kaburu -- that got berth on March 30 was scheduled to leave the port on Thursday but later delayed its departure for a day.

Another vessel -- MV Delaware Trader -- got berth on Wednesday and was supposed to leave today morning but the authorities of the ship were yet to confirm the departure date as at least 20 reefer container could not be discharged from it until yesterday evening.

Meanwhile, at least 11 vessels were waiting at the outer anchorage of the port for getting berths at the port jetties until yesterday.

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