The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre warned that Bangladesh, an emerging Asian exporter, suffers from increasing piracy. The report noted that nine piracy incidents occurred in the first five months of this year, compared with one in the same period in 2023. The report advised vessels to exercise increased vigilance when anchoring or berthing in Bangladesh and when entering the country. They can stay in touch with port administration and law enforcement agencies through VHF channels.

The country’s navy and coast guard have stepped up patrols in recent months, and the Chittagong Port Authority has installed a visual tracking information management system to monitor the movements of small land boats at the port’s berths and outer anchorages. Saudi Arabian operator, Red Sea Gateway Terminals, welcomed the 2,086 TEU Maersk Davao to its Patenga Container Terminal last week, marking a very welcome expansion in container throughput in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a country where exports are growing rapidly, but port capacity is expanding and reaching its limits.