Navigating the waters from Kutubdia to the Chittagong Anchorage is a complex operation that demands local expertise, precise skill, and an unwavering commitment to safety. This document outlines the challenges of this critical passage and demonstrates how our company’s Bay Pilots provide the essential service that guarantees the safety of your vessel, crew, and cargo.

FACTS ABOUT CHITTAGONG PORT ANCHORAGE… WHY OUR SERVICE IS REQUIRED FOR VESSEL

Chittagong Port A/B/C anchorage area is almost the same for the last 20 years. Draft at “A” anchorage is 10m to 12m, at  “B” anchorage it is 9m to 10m and for “C” is less than 9m.

A anchorage is highly congested, very difficult to select a position maintaining at least 5 cables clearance from other vessels. Some v/l has no AIS or they kept off or blackout for few hrs.

During transit from Kutubdia to Chittagong A/B/C anchorage, every V/L has to pass Shallow water Patch which is 8.5m only, and has to follow local Tide, need to know when current is at its highest speed. Master of the V/L has to select a good Anchor Position Considering Draft of his V/L to avoid excessive Current Pressure due to land slop & local anomaly.

Chittagong A/B/C anchorage has more than 10 wrecks, most of the area has soft mud, very poor anchor holding ground. The possibility of Anchor dragging  90%, Especially when Current, wind, Sea & Swell are in the same direction. Required at least 5 cables clearance from other v/l.

Highly recommendable, the bridge must be Manned at all time, VHF Ch-12 & 16, and Radar must be ON & M/E stand by at all times.  When Passing within ABC Anchorage area, turn or pass ahead of any V/I should be avoided, Remember very strong Current in times, wind, Sea & Swell and Anchor chain of other V/L. Poor steering in places due to less UKC.

Tidal and Current Effects from Mohekhali to Chittagong Anchorage

The hydrodynamic forces in this region are powerful and complex, making them a primary factor in navigation planning.

• High Tidal Range: The Chittagong coast experiences a significant tidal range, often exceeding 4-5 meters. This creates strong tidal currents that flood into and ebb out of the Karnaphuli River estuary.
• Variable Current Speeds: Currents can reach speeds of 3-5 knots, especially during spring tides. These currents have a profound effect on a vessel’s speed over ground (SOG) and maneuverability.
• Cross-Currents and Eddies: Particularly around the Mohekhali area and the entrance to the channel, cross-currents and eddies can develop, which can push a vessel off its intended course if not anticipated and corrected for.
• Slack Water Timing: Strategic passage planning is essential to utilize the tidal flow to the vessel’s advantage (e.g., riding a flood tide into the anchorage) and to traverse the most critical sections during slack water, when currents are minimal, ensuring maximum control.

Our pilots calculate these factors with precision, advising the Master on the optimal time to commence the passage and how to handle the vessel under the influence of these powerful natural forces.

How Our Bay Pilots Ensure Safe and Accident-Free Passage

Our company’s Bay Pilots are your vessel’s guarantee of a safe transit. Our assistance is comprehensive and proactive:

1. Pre-Boarding Briefing: Even before boarding, our pilot will liaise with the Master via VHF to understand the vessel’s particulars (draft, engine type, maneuverability) and provide an initial passage plan and update on current conditions.
2. Master-Pilot Exchange (MPEX): Upon boarding, a detailed MPEX is conducted. We share critical information on tides, currents, traffic, and planned maneuvers, and we learn about the ship’s handling characteristics from the Master.
3. Continuous Situational Awareness: Our pilots continuously monitor the vessel’s position using the latest GPS/ECDIS technology combined with their visual and radar-based expertise to ensure the ship remains perfectly within the safe channel.
4. Expert Traffic Management: We act as the local eyes, identifying potential traffic conflicts early and advising on safe passing arrangements, communicating directly with other pilots and port control on behalf of the Master.
5. Tidal & Current Mastery: We harness the tidal currents to aid the passage, calculating speeds and headings to counteract their effects, ensuring the vessel remains under full control at all times.
6. Anchoring Coordination: We guide the vessel to the designated anchorage spot, ensuring safe swinging room from other vessels and advising on the appropriate scope of chain for the bottom conditions and expected weather, culminating in a safe and secure anchorage.

Confidence for Stakeholders in Your Company’s Pilot Service

When you hire our pilot service, you provide peace of mind to every stakeholder in the voyage:

• Ship Owner & Charterer: You are protecting your multi-million dollar asset from accidents like grounding or collision, which lead to costly repairs, off-hire time, and potential insurance premium increases. Our service ensures the safe, timely, and efficient completion of the voyage, protecting your commercial interests.
• Consignee & Supplier: The safe arrival of the vessel means the timely delivery of cargo. Any maritime accident can cause significant delays, supply chain disruptions, and cargo damage. Our pilots are the key risk mitigation factor that ensures the cargo reaches its destination as scheduled.
• Shipping Agent: You can confidently assure your clients that the vessel is in the hands of the most qualified local experts. Our service simplifies your job, reduces emergency situations, and ensures a smooth port call, enhancing your reputation for reliability and professionalism.

By choosing our company, you are not just hiring a pilot; you are investing in an insurance policy of expertise that safeguards vessels, cargo, schedules, and reputations. We deliver the confidence that comes from proven excellence.