33,000-tonne diesel tanker hits bulk carrier at Ctg Port

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An oil tanker carrying around 33,000 tonnes of diesel collided with an anchored bulk carrier at Chattogram Port on Thursday, though authorities said there was no oil spill and the tanker’s cargo tanks remained intact.

The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) said the incident occurred around 12:25pm when oil tanker MT C Spike collided with anchored bulk carrier MV Sun Shine.

According to the port authority, the tanker may have lost control due to strong currents. An investigation will determine the exact cause of the collision.

The CPA said all cargo tanks of MT C Spike remained completely intact and no water entered the tanks. No oil leakage was detected following the incident.

However, water entered the tanker’s engine room through a crack measuring about one square metre, causing a temporary blackout. The vessel’s VHF communication system continued to operate using emergency batteries.

To stabilise the tanker, the crew released 10 shackles of anchor cable from each of its two anchors. The CPA said the vessel would remain safely afloat even during low tide based on tide calculations.

After the collision, the CPA, Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard launched emergency response operations. CPA tugboat Kandari-8 reached the site and assisted in the rescue efforts.

The port authority instructed the vessel’s shipping agent, Pride Shipping, to arrange for the diesel to be unloaded as quickly as possible. A salvage company was also assigned to repair the damaged area and conduct salvage operations.

The CPA said it is maintaining continuous communication with the vessel’s master and that the situation is currently under control. Vessel movement through the Chattogram Port channel remains normal.