Safety concerns have intensified across Chattogram Port’s main navigation channel and outer anchorage after vessel collisions, robberies aboard foreign ships and illegal fishing nets disrupted waterways. The report, published on August 18, said four mother vessels were involved in collisions at Alpha Anchorage within 36 hours. The incidents have affected the roughly 62-nautical-mile navigation route from Patenga to Kutubdia.

On Saturday night, MV Anassa struck the already anchored MV Jahan while anchoring, damaging Anassa’s exterior. On Friday, the diesel tanker MT Sea Spike, carrying about 33,000 metric tons of diesel, lost control in strong currents and collided with bulk carrier MV Sun Shine, causing an engine-room crack, water ingress and a temporary power disruption. On August 3, container ship MV CNC Uranus hit the No. 2 red buoy and became stuck on a retaining wall; its operator cited mechanical failure.

Three foreign-flagged commercial ships were reportedly robbed at the outer anchorage in the past month. The Bangladesh Lighterage Workers Union demanded removal of illegal nets and warned it could halt vessel movement. Port secretary Kefaet Hamim said strong currents appeared to be the initial cause of recent accidents and separate inquiry committees had been formed.