MV Banglar Joyjatra Safely Crosses Strait of Hormuz

After more than three and a half months of uncertainty in the Persian Gulf, Bangladesh Shipping Corporation vessel MV Banglar Joyjatra has successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and resumed its voyage.

The vessel passed through the strategic waterway safely at around 3:00am on Tuesday and is now heading toward Fujairah Port in the United Arab Emirates for refuelling and necessary formalities.

BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek confirmed the development, saying all 31 Bangladeshi sailors and crew members on board are safe and in good health. Additional Chief Officer Pronoy Saha also confirmed the successful passage.

According to BSC, the vessel entered the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz on 2 February. After loading steel coils at a port in Qatar, it reached Jebel Ali Port on 27 February.

Regional tensions escalated the following day as conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel intensified, leading to strict restrictions on commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

After unloading cargo at Jebel Ali on 11 March, the vessel was scheduled to sail to Kuwait. However, due to rising security concerns, authorities redirected the ship away from the conflict zone.

The vessel later loaded 37,000 tonnes of fertiliser at Ras Al Khair Port in Saudi Arabia for delivery to Cape Town.

Despite being ready to sail, the ship remained stranded due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Although it attempted to resume its journey following a ceasefire announcement between Iran and the United States, it was stopped again by Iranian authorities while attempting to cross the strait in April.

The vessel later took shelter at the outer anchorage of Mina Saqr Port in Oman.

Following recent diplomatic progress between Iran and the United States, along with sustained efforts by the Bangladesh government, MV Banglar Joyjatra was finally allowed to transit the key maritime route.

Built in 2018, the bulk carrier has a carrying capacity of 38,894 deadweight tonnes (DWT). It is now proceeding toward Fujairah to complete bunkering and clearance procedures before continuing its journey.

The successful passage marks a major relief for Bangladesh’s shipping sector, as the vessel has finally cleared one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints after months of disruption.