Chittagong supply chain feeling aftershocks of container depot fire

The BM depot in Chittagong is experiencing operational challenges, as the police have not made any official arrest yet following the early June fire.

Shipping giant Maersk has reported that the logistics ecosystem at Chittagong, Bangladesh is under extreme pressure following the fire at one of BM container depots.

The fire broke out at the depot around 9.00 am local time (3.00 pm GMT) on 4 June, killing more than 40 people and injuring several others in the explosion that followed.

“All cargo that was earlier planned for processing at the BM Depot is being diverted to other depots at Chittagong prior to its onward journey,” said Maersk in a recent advisory.

“Consequently, the logistics ecosystem at Chittagong is anticipating temporary operational challenges due to transit capacity constraints at various depots and expect increased truck waiting times.

“Furthermore, heavy rainfall in Chattogram has been disrupting continuity in operations and labour attendance.”

Maersk is working to minimise the impact on the supply chain as it is re-mapping cargo movement in and out of Bangladesh.

The fire has been brought under control shortly after it erupted as officials have identified mislabelled chemicals boxes that may have triggered the explosion.