The 136th anniversary of Chattogram Port, the main sea port of the country, has been celebrated.
The history of Chattogram port, known as the golden gate of Bangladesh economy, is ancient. There is known history of sea crossing from Chattogram from the 4th century. Later, Arab and Yemeni, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British merchants also used the port. The then British-Indian government enacted the Port Commissioners Act of 1887, which came into force on April 25 in 1888. In fact, the official journey of Chattogram Port started from then. So every year 25th April is observed as 'Port Day'. On the occasion of the day, every year the port authority organizes various programmes.
Chairman of Chattogram Port Authority, Rear Admiral M Shahjahan said if any organization is interested in launching direct shipping services from Chattogram port on the routes to USA and Europe, it will be considered on a priority basis. On February 7, 2022, MV Songa Cheetah embarked from Chattogram for the port of Ravenna, Italy, with 952 containers of export cargo. It was a landmark decision. As there are no transhipment delays in this, the export products are going to various final destinations in Europe at a cost of 10-12 thousand dollars within 12-15 days. This saves about $8,000 per container.
He made this comment while interacting with journalists at Shaheed Md. Fazlur Rahman Munsi Auditorium on the occasion of 136th Port Day on Tuesday afternoon.
The CPA Chief said that 50 software modules are being developed to automate various departments with the aim of transforming Chattogram Port into an international standard port, through which it will be possible to turn the port into a paperless institution. Initiatives have been taken to build state-of-art chemical sheds to facilitate safe import and export of hazardous, radioactive, chemical products. Port limit has been increased from 7 nautical miles to 62 nautical miles. Procurement of 2 modern scanners to scan export containers is underway, which will be in place by June 2023. Plans have been taken to construct a lighterage jetty at Hamidchar.
By improving the skills of the port's pilots, ships with 210-metre-length and 10.5-metre draft can be accommodated in the future.
A 200-metre passenger terminal is planned to be constructed on the banks of the Karnaphuli river estuary to facilitate the berthing of pilgrims and tourist ships. A survey is underway in this regard.
The average position of ships in port is quite an important indicator. At present, container ships at Chattogram port are crowding the jetty within one to two days of their arrival at outer anchorage, with on-arrival berthing being provided in some cases. Construction of Patenga Container Terminal (PCT) with 584-metre-long jetty has been completed. Targeted to handle 4.5 lakh containers per annum at an estimated cost of Tk 1,229 crore 58 lakh from the port's own funding, the terminal will accommodate two container ships at 200 meters length and 10 meters draft and oil tankers at 220 meters length Dolphin Jetty. IFC has been appointed as the transaction advisor by the PPP following the government's decision to operate the terminal by an international private operator. Further action will be taken after they report the transaction structure.
The Port Chairman said that the container capacity has increased to 55,000 TEUs due to the construction of 5,80,000 square meter yard in a decade to increase the capacity of the port. At the same time 310 different types of equipment including ship to shore gantry cranes were procured. There are 18 gantry cranes in the port. We have achieved all indicators of ease of doing business quickly.
Chattogram port is capable of transit transhipment. A few trial runs of transhipment in India have already been successful. We have completed the capital dredging of the Karnaphuli. Port berthing is done digitally. There is no doubt about it.
He said, berthing of more than 120 ships has been completed at the jetty constructed for coal-based thermal power plant in Matarbari channel.
Vessels with a draft of more than 16 meters can be accommodated in this port. More cargo on bigger ships will actually reduce fares, increase revenue. International transhipment hub will be Matarbari. In addition to our three seaports, neighbouring countries can use this port.
He said that a transaction advisor has been appointed at Bay Terminal. Land acquisition work has progressed considerably. Land is going to be acquired at a nominal or nominal price.
Chattogram port handled 31 lakh 42 thousand containers of 20 feet length in 2022. General cargo movement was 11.96 lakh tonnes. Vessel handling was 4 thousand 361.
CPA Board members, directors, secretaries and senior officials of the port and journalists were present.