In the wake of a severe blaze off its coastline over the weekend (pictured) the Bangladeshi government has told local companies to avoid working with sanctioned ships and cargoes.
A 32-year-old LPG carrier that caught fire off Bangladesh five days ago was found to be carrying sanctioned Iranian gas, according to investigations carried out by TankerTrackers.com.
A total of 31 people were rescued after two gas carriers caught fire outside Chittagong port.
The explosion and subsequent blaze occurred while LPG was being transferred from the mother vessel, Captain Nicholas, carrying Iranian gas, to the 27-year-old lighter vessel B-LPG Sofia near Kutubdia.
Following the fire, the Department of Shipping, under the Ministry of Shipping, has sent an advisory to all maritime stakeholders to strictly follow international and national regulations concerning sanctioned vessels and cargoes.
The circular warned any violation of these rules will result in severe penalties, including fines, suspension of operating licences, and possible criminal charges.