A Liberian-flagged vessel, MV Mana, carrying 50,071 tonnes of soybeans from Brazil, has been stranded at Chattogram Port since June 8 due to a dispute over the soybean quality. The ship, owned by Active Maritime Ltd, has unloaded 30,000 tonnes for Shabnam Vegetable Oil Industries and Super Oil Refinery Ltd but has been unable to offload the remaining 20,070 tonnes due to water damage compromising the cargo’s quality. The importer, Delta Agro Food Industries, and the declaring agent halted further unloading, citing issues with the damaged soybeans.
The vessel has accumulated daily charter fees of $15,000. On September 6, the ship’s owner and captain sought intervention from Chattogram port authorities and Customs. A survey on June 11 confirmed water damage, but the recommended manual separation of affected soybeans was not performed, worsening the deterioration. Shipping industry insiders warn that the delay could damage Chattogram port’s reputation and urge authorities to resolve the dispute promptly