Foreign companies will be entrusted with the task of managing the big terminals of Chattogram port to increase the speed in work. The process of appointing three operators based in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Singapore is going on. The port- users believe that if foreign operators are appointed, order will be brought inChattogram port.
Meanwhile, the cabinet has approved the appointment of international operators to manage the terminal.
In 2022, a total of 31 lakh 42 thousand 504 TEUs of containers of 20 feet length were handled in Chattogram port. Out of this 11 lakh 67 thousand 654 were handled in NCT. Out of 18 gantry cranes of Chattogram port, 14 are used in this terminal. It has been decided to leave the management of this terminal to private companies. However, it is no yet finalised which company will be given the responsibility.
It has been learnt that the process of appointing foreign operators has progressed a lot in the case of the three new terminals. Those are the under-construction Bay Terminal-1, Bay Terminal-2 and the pending Patenga Container Terminal (PCT). The Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) has started the process of appointing Dubai-based DP World as the operator to operate Bay Terminal-1 and DP World to operate Bay Terminal-2. Consulting firm Ernst & Young has been appointed the transaction advisor for drafting the concession agreement for transfer of Terminal 2 to the companies. The Pending Patenga Container Terminal will accommodate vessels of 200- meter length and 10- meter draft. Its responsibility of managing this terminal will be given to Redgate Terminal Operator of Saudi Arabia. International Finance Cooperation (IAC) has been appointed transaction advisor for this.
MdZahidul Islam Mia, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, said it has been decided to appoint international operators to manage the four terminals of Chattogram port. On March 23, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the decision to appoint an international operator to manage the terminal of Chattogram port.