Shipping department to launch software Jahaji for lighter vessel management

The Department of Shipping is all set to launch an advanced software named “Jahaji” in order to address long-standing allegations of irregularities and discrimination in lighter vessel scheduling and cargo discharge operations at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port.

The chief engineer and ship surveyor of the Department of Shipping, Mirza Saifur Rahman, is scheduled to inaugurate the software at the office of the Bangladesh Water Transport Coordination Cell (BWTCC) in Chattogram tomorrow.

The director general of the Department of Shipping, Commodore Md Shafiul Bari, expressed optimism that the introduction of the software would ensure transparency and fairness in operating lighter vessels under the BWTCC.

“Lighterage vessels are often accused of being used as floating warehouses to create artificial shortages in the market. At present, there is no way to know what cargo a particular vessel is carrying or where it is located,” Bari said.

“Once the software is operational, it will be possible to track how many vessels are operating on which routes, what cargo they are carrying, and their exact locations.”

He said allegations of irregularities in scheduling lighter vessels for cargo discharge at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port and other ports are long-standing.

As the entire process has been manual for years, various forms of malpractice have occurred. “In line with the Cargo Transport Policy 2024, this software will play a key role in modernising the system,” he added.

The BWTCC spokesperson, Parvez Ahmed, told The Daily Star that although many vessel owners currently use similar software on a personal basis, its implementation will now be mandatory for all.

“It essentially functions as a tracking device, enabling authorities to know where a vessel is located at any given time,” he said.

According to a BWTCC source, at present, to obtain a discharge serial, staff of a lighter vessel must physically visit multiple offices and submit handwritten applications.

Serial entry, allocation, piloting, clearance, and demurrage settlement all are conducted manually.

The chief operating officer of Jahaji software, Abhinandan Jotdar, told this correspondent that the entire process would come under automation once the software is launched.

“As soon as a vessel enters a designated area, its serial will be assigned automatically using geo-fencing technology. There will be no need for manual serial allocation,” he said.

He further explained that cargo demand from agents and the list of available vessels would be matched through a digital lottery system, eliminating scope for bias or undue influence.

“To ensure this, a dedicated device linked to the software will be installed on each lighter vessel.”