Goods Worth US$400K For Bangladeshi Companies Destroyed On Board Cargo Ship ‘X-Press Pearl’

Meghna Innova Rubber Ltd and Gazi Auto Tyre Ltd say the cargo ship contained at least 10 containers, which were loaded with synthetic rubber worth more than Tk 35 million. The companies have now begun the process to claim compensation from the insurers.

The X-Press Pearl had been transporting 25 tonnes of nitric acid, and other chemicals, when it caught fire on 20 May. Several of the ship’s 1,486 containers tumbled into the sea before the blaze was put out.

Massive pollution from the ship – including tonnes of plastic pellets – has blanketed stretches of the country’s western coastline.

Image Credits: Sri Lanka Air Force / @airforcelk

Some of the worst-hit areas include a few of Sri Lanka’s most pristine beaches close to Negombo. Experts suggest that the pellets still in the country’s waters could travel even to Indonesia, India, and Somalia.

While the Sri Lankan government has said that it would be seeking redress for the unfortunate incident, Singapore has started its special investigation regarding the same.

Captain Jasimuddin Sarker, the Chief Nautical Surveyor at Bangladesh’s Department of Shipping, informed that he had not received information officially on the sinking ship or possible ecological damage. Md Fakhrul Islam, Gazi Group Executive Director, stated that six of their company’s containers loaded with synthetic rubber worth about Tk 20 million were from Reliance, India.

He hopes the stock of rubber they have now will be sufficient to continue production until a new batch arrives. Federal Insurance, the insurer, received Gazi’s claim, said Federal’s Managing Director, AMM Mohiuddin Chowdhury, and they have already informed the reinsurer Sadharon Bima Corporation.

Md Lutful Bari, a Meghna Innova Director, said that they had placed their claim to the insurer (Sonar Bangla Insurance). However, they received no response. Meghna Innova has enough raw materials required for production.

Abdul Khaleque Miah, Managing Director of Sonar Bangla Insurance, commented that they have informed Sadharon Bima regarding Meghna Innova’s claim.

Reference: bdnews24.com

Source: Maritime Shipping News