Bangladesh Shipping Corporation's (BSC) cargo vessel MV Banglar Joyjatra has safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz after being stranded in the Gulf for more than four and a half months due to the Iran war, the state-owned shipping company said on Tuesday. 

The vessel crossed the strategic waterway at around 3:00 am and is now heading to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates for bunkering and hull cleaning before continuing its voyage, the BSC said. 

“I have spoken to the captain and crew of the ship. They are all in good health and spirit," BSC Managing Director Mahmudul Malek told The Daily Waadaa.

"Banglar Joyjatra will anchor at Fujairah port in a couple of hours for bunkering and bottom cleaning," he said. 

According to the BSC, the vessel entered Middle Eastern waters on January 26 under a Singapore-based charter. 

After unloading about 39,000 tonnes of steel coils at Jebel Ali port in the UAE, the outbreak of the US and Israel war on Iran left the ship unable to leave the Gulf. 

The vessel later loaded around 37,000 tonnes of fertiliser from Saudi Arabia for South Africa but remained stranded after Iran denied permission for it to transit the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, citing security concerns. 

The corporation said all 31 Bangladeshi crew members remained safe throughout the ordeal. It said the crew received continuous logistical support, including food, fuel and water, while the government and the Shipping Ministry closely monitored the vessel's movement. 

In a statement, BSC described the successful transit as a “historic achievement” for Bangladesh's maritime sector after months of uncertainty in one of the world's most sensitive shipping routes.