No end in sight for Bangladesh congestion as garments fail to sail

Photo: © Tanvir Shovon

If you are trying to get garments out of Bangladesh, expect delays, both by air and sea. According to forwarder Ligentia, shippers are looking to sea-air services to avoid airport delays, where security and scanning issues have slowed processes. Sea-air services are via Singapore, Dubai or Colombo. At Chittagong port, however, ships carrying raw materials have been unable to dock after the port suspended operations in May due to a cyclone – and the congestion has yet to ease. Delays are four to five days, according to one company. To make matters worse, reported Sourcing Journal, an April strike by shipping workers has added to the congestion.