Coal unloading at the Chattogram outer anchorage for Payra Thermal Power Plant has come to a standstill as logistics company AMMS Group has stopped operations over unpaid dues of about Tk 75 crore. This disruption has left four ships idle, carrying over 2.32 lakh tonnes of coal, and raised concerns about possible production shutdown at the 1,320 MW power plant.
Coal Unloading Stopped Over Unpaid Bills
The AMMS Group, responsible for transporting imported coal to the Payra Power Plant, has halted operations due to unpaid transportation fees. The Bangladesh-China Power Company Limited (BCPCL), which operates the plant, reportedly owes the company around Tk 75 crore.
“বিল না পাওয়ায় কয়লা খালাস কার্যক্রম বন্ধ।”
Translation:
“Coal unloading activities have been stopped because payment has not been received.”
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BCPCL Awaits Payment from BPDB
AMMS Group’s Managing Director, Mohammad Shafiqul Alam Jewel, said the company could not bear the regular operational costs for lighter vessels used to transport coal. When they requested payment from BCPCL, the plant authorities said they could only pay once the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) settles its dues.
Jewel further explained that BCPCL imports coal under deferred payment terms, which is causing the delay.
Shipping Limitations at Payra Port
Due to low draft at Payra Port, large vessels cannot dock directly. Instead, coal is transferred at the Chattogram outer anchorage to lighter vessels, which then deliver it to Payra Power Plant’s jetty — a process entirely managed by AMMS Group.
BCPCL’s Financial Situation
Moaallem Hossain, BCPCL’s General Manager (Accounts and Finance), confirmed that BPDB is responsible for paying for the imported coal.
“জুলাই পর্যন্ত বিপিডিবির কাছে আমাদের বকেয়া পাওনার পরিমাণ প্রায় ৮ হাজার কোটি টাকা।”
Translation:
“As of July, BPDB owes us around Tk 8,000 crore.”
Hossain added that a request for Tk 6,500 crore in dues up to June was sent to BPDB on 7 August. While there are currently 1.70 lakh tonnes of coal in stock, he expressed hope the matter would be resolved soon.
BPDB’s Response
BPDB Chairman Rezaul Karim said he was unaware if there were any outstanding bills owed to BCPCL. He stated that if there are dues, BCPCL should officially inform BPDB.
Impact on Power Generation
The Payra Power Plant, operational since 2020, depends entirely on imported coal and consumes about 10,000 tonnes daily. On average, it imports around 4 lakh tonnes per month.
Between 19 July and 4 August, four mother vessels carrying 2,31,870 tonnes of coal arrived at Chattogram. Two more vessels with 1,07,800 tonnes are expected between 15–21 August.
Demurrage Charges Mounting
Shipping officials have warned that failing to unload coal on time results in daily demurrage charges of $12,000–$15,000 per vessel, a cost that ultimately falls on BPDB.
Md. Enam-ul Haque, Executive Director of local shipping agent Bencon Seatran Ltd., said unloading a vessel typically takes 7–10 days, but all four ships are now idle due to the stoppage.
“এএমএমএস গ্রুপ কয়লা খালাস না করায় চারটি জাহাজই অলস বসে আছে।”
Translation:
“All four ships are sitting idle because AMMS Group is not unloading coal.”
Source: TBS
