Hormuz reopens: Bangladeshi vessel Joyjatra told to lift anchor, awaits Iran clearance

A Bangladesh-flagged vessel stranded in the Persian Gulf has been instructed to prepare for departure after Iran announced it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels this afternoon (17 April).

State-owned Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) has directed MV Banglar Joyjatra to lift anchor and head towards Fujairah port in the United Arab Emirates, subject to receiving formal clearance from Iranian authorities.

Confirming the development, BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek told The Business Standard that the instruction was issued around 9pm following confirmation of the reopening.

“We have asked the vessel to weigh anchor after the news of Hormuz reopening. At the same time, formal permission has been sought from the Iranian government. Once clearance is granted, the ship will cross Hormuz and proceed to Fujairah for bunkering,” he said.

“From Fujairah, the charterer has given three routing options — South Africa, Mozambique or Brazil. Joyjatra will sail to whichever destination the charterer selects,” Commodore Malek said.

The vessel, carrying 31 crew members, had been stuck in the region for around 40 days amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.

On 8 April, following a ceasefire announcement by the United States, the ship departed Ras Al Khair port in Saudi Arabia, heading towards the Strait of Hormuz. Although it reached near the strait on 10 April, Iranian authorities did not allow it to pass.

The vessel was subsequently forced to return and take shelter near Sharjah port in the UAE, where it had been waiting for the situation to stabilise.

With Iran now signalling reopening, BSC officials said the ship is ready to resume its voyage as soon as the required clearance comes through.