News / X-Press Feeders sees Chittagong losses rise thanks to locals-only rule

X-Press Feeders' SOL Promise was unable to fully load Photo: VesselFinder

Three X-Press Feeders’ container vessels are facing severe service disruption in Chittagong port due to the “unexpected” strict implementation of Bangladesh’s Flag Vessel (Protection) Act.

The act mandates that at least 40% of sea-borne cargo relating to the country’s foreign trade has to be carried by Bangladesh-flagged vessels – despite local operators having only a few ships.

Last week, two Straits Orient Lines ships faced similar service disruption, but were issued waiver certificates on the basis that no local tonnage was available.

On ...