Bangladeshi vessel denied Hormuz passage despite ceasefire

A vessel of the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), Banglar Joyjatra, has been denied permission to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite a ceasefire in the Middle East, leaving it stranded near the strategic chokepoint.

The ship had already been stuck in the region for around 40 days amid escalating tensions. Following the ceasefire, it departed Saudi Arabia’s Ras Al Khair port on Wednesday (8 April) and sailed for nearly 40 hours towards the strait.

However, Iranian authorities rejected its request for transit clearance when it approached the area this morning (10 April).

Confirming the development, BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek told The Business Standard that the vessel had sought permission in line with Iranian directives, but the request was declined.

With no immediate alternative, the vessel may have to return to a safer port and wait for fresh clearance, he said.

“Efforts are ongoing through diplomatic channels to secure permission. The vessel is still positioned near the Strait of Hormuz. Depending on the situation, it may be instructed to return,” he said.

He added that the ship, carrying 31 crew members, has sufficient food supplies on board.

It can produce around 18 tonnes of freshwater daily through desalination, although this requires the engine to operate at full capacity, he said, adding that water consumption has been rationed to about six tonnes per day.

“To maintain crew morale, the authorities have increased the daily food allowance from $7 to $12 per person and are providing an additional war allowance equivalent to their basic pay,” he said.

According to BSC data, the vessel entered the Persian Gulf on 2 February after crossing the Strait of Hormuz from India. It later loaded steel coils at a Qatari port and reached Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates on 27 February.

Tensions escalated following strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on 28 February, triggering retaliatory attacks and a broader regional conflict.

After unloading cargo at Jebel Ali on 11 March, the vessel was scheduled to head to Kuwait for new cargo. However, due to security risks, the BSC decided to withdraw it from the conflict zone.

Despite repeated attempts, it has so far failed to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Banglar Joyjatra is one of the latest additions to the BSC fleet, having joined in February.