A Bangladesh-flagged cargo vessel that has been stranded in the Persian Gulf for more than three and a half months has moved closer to the Strait of Hormuz, raising hopes that it may soon resume its voyage.
However, maritime specialists caution that significant challenges remain before commercial shipping can return to normal through one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
The state-owned MV Banglar Joyjatra is currently positioned near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz and is awaiting permission to proceed, according to Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC).
BSC Managing Director Mahmudul Malek said, “the vessel had relocated closer to the strait and would move forward once the necessary approvals were granted.”
“We are maintaining regular communication with the crew, and all members are safe,” he also said.
The vessel, chartered by a Singapore-based company, arrived at Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port in late February, just before military hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran escalated across the region. Since then, its 31 Bangladeshi crew members have remained stranded in Gulf waters as commercial shipping through Hormuz faced severe disruption.
Following a recent memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending hostilities, the ship moved to a position roughly 80 nautical miles from the strait.
While some vessels have already begun transiting the route, authorities controlling the waterway have not yet fully reopened it to commercial traffic.
Speaking from the vessel on Friday, Captain Shafiqul Islam said, “ships were still unable to enter the strait without approval from Iranian authorities.”
“The route has not been completely reopened,” he stated, adding that vessels continue to require clearance before attempting passage.
At its current location, the Banglar Joyjatra is estimated to be only a few hours from the strait itself.
Shipping experts, however, warn that a full reopening may take considerably longer, despite signs of progress.
Captain Anam Chowdhury, president of the Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers Association, said, “safety-concerns remain a major obstacle. He noted that sections of the waterway would need to be cleared and inspected before larger commercial vessels could safely navigate the route.”
According to industry estimates, hundreds of ships are currently waiting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, creating a substantial backlog that could take weeks to resolve.
In addition to security procedures, vessels must complete routine maritime compliance requirements, including hull maintenance inspections and waste management obligations, before leaving Gulf waters.
“Taken together, these factors could mean that commercial traffic does not fully return to normal for another three to four weeks,” maritime analysts said.
The prolonged uncertainty has placed considerable pressure on crews aboard vessels stranded in the region.
Around 100 Bangladeshi seafarers are believed to be serving on seven ships waiting near the strait, including the Banglar Joyjatra.
The vessel is carrying approximately 37,500 tonnes of fertiliser destined for South Africa and is expected to continue its journey once clearance is granted.
This is not the first time the ship has attempted to leave the Gulf. Previous efforts in April to approach the Strait of Hormuz were unsuccessful because permission to transit was denied.
The crew has also experienced the conflict at close range. During the vessel’s stay near Jebel Ali, missile and drone attacks struck facilities in the surrounding area, with one explosion reported only a short distance from the ship.
The Banglar Joyjatra initially entered Gulf waters in January while transporting a cargo of steel coils from Qatar to the United Arab Emirates. After completing its delivery, the ship repeatedly postponed its onwards voyages as escalating regional wars effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to normal commercial shipping.
