After the completion of Bay-Terminal and Matarbari Port of Maheshkhali, the current capacity of Chittagong Port will increase by several times.
Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail, chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) made the comment on Tuesday. He said these in a press conference.
He said, “Under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman within 3 years of independence in 1973, Chittagong Port was launched in full swing. At present, we are determined to play a strong role of Chittagong Port in achieving SDG targets including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Vision 2021 and 2041.”
He said that Chittagong Port target of 2050 is being worked on. Then as the activities of the port will increase, the capacity will also increase manifold. So, smart ports have come a long way. Chittagong port will be at the same height as all the best ports in the world.
Port Chairman said that he has greatly enhanced the image and reputation of Chittagong port in the country and abroad. Competency has been achieved through training of port officials and employees. One stop building is also underway, so everything can be done from one place.
Today Chittagong port is widely known internationally. Chittagong Port is the lifeblood of Bangladesh's economy for the economic development and expansion of trade and commerce in Bangladesh. 92 percent of the country's total trade and 98 percent of containerized goods are transported through Chittagong port. Chittagong port is handling most of the country's foreign trade. About 92 percent of foreign trade goods are transported through this port. The importance of Chittagong port is increasing due to the increasing trade demand of the country, geographical locational importance of regional communication and force-oriented development. Government is also active in continuous development of Chittagong port. There have been significant developments like adding 10m draft and 200m length ships, direct shipping with Europe, Matarbari deep sea port development project, construction of Patenga Container Terminal, expansion of outer berth, VTMIS, digitalization, addition of state-of-the-art key side gantry cranes for container handling. in an era Now becoming a hub for regional cargo transportation. Karnaphuli river has many bends. This is the natural channel. The popularity of Karnaphuli channel has increased. But there waste is a big problem. We made it useful by dredging By next year it will be possible to dock 11 meter vessels at the jetty. Stop dumping waste in rivers, create awareness among people. We will do whatever is necessary to protect the Karnaphuli river.
He said said that Chittagong port is working as the main gateway of Bangladesh in world trade. COVID pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war slowed down the expected pace of the global economy, but did not impact container handling at Chittagong Port, but increased cargo handling and revenue. Exports through the port increased by 50 percent in June, of which 84 percent were ready-made garments. We take port work as a service.
Chittagong port has no day, no night, no holiday on Friday. It is active 24 hours seven days. Our port is recognized all over the world. Various countries are showing interest in massive investment. Expect to see 5-7 billion dollars of investment in the next three years. Like all countries of the world, many foreigners are interested in investing here. Let us all come, work and contribute to the country's economy. At the same time, new technology will come from foreign companies. Denmark has also expressed interest in investing Chittagong Port Authority has freed 52 acres of land in Laldia char, I will make space there.
Sohail said that 30 lakh 7 thousand 344 TEUS were handled in Chittagong Port in the financial year 2022-23. General cargo movement has been 11 crore 82 lakh 96 thousand 743 metric tons. Vessel handling has been 4253. Chittagong Port's uninterrupted operations and efficiency are behind the achievement of nearly 4 percent growth. Chittagong Port Authority is constructing a new terminal with the aim of expanding short and medium term cargo and container handling facilities in view of the future demand for faster clearance of imported goods and faster shipping of exportable goods. The construction of 584 meters long PCT has already been completed. Heavy lift jetty, Bay-terminal and Matarbari Port development projects in Maheshkhali Upazila of Cox's Bazar district under implementation by Chittagong Port Authority in order to keep container, cargo and ship handling uninterrupted in the present and future are progressing at a fast pace. Once the Bay Terminal and Matarbari Deep Sea Port are completed, the current capacity of Chittagong Port will increase manifold. 5.1 million cubic meters of silt and waste have been removed to increase the navigability of the Karnaphuli channel.
He said, it will be possible to launch the new chemical shed of the port in December. PCT is on trial. The design of the bay terminal and breakwater is in progress. Vessels of 12-13 m draft will be able to operate 24 hours a day in wide channels. The construction of the first jetty of Matarbari deep sea port will begin. The ship can accommodate 10-12 thousand containers. If the product is brought in a big ship, it will benefit at the consumer level. Keeping in mind the number of ship arrivals, the increase in the activities of lighter vessels, the implementation of Matarbari deep sea port, the area of outer anchorage has been increased to 62 nautical miles. State-of-the-art Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS) is under constant surveillance. 4 state-of-the-art tugboats, two mooring launches, 2 side scan sonar, 2 echo sounders and 1 sea going harbor tugboat have been added to the port fleet.
CPA Chairman siad, Chittagong port is an ISPS compliant port. About 98 percent of the protected and adjacent areas of Chittagong port are now covered by CCTV Monitoring. Round-the-clock surveillance is being done from the state-of-the-art CCTV control center. To strengthen the fire safety system, the port has its own fire unit consisting of fire fighting foam tender, rescue vehicle, recovery vehicle. Besides, the process of addition of one hazmat tender for chemical fire fighting, 2 rapid intervention fire fighting vehicles and 4 fire pickups is going on. The entire port area is being brought under fire hydant. Recap, a Singapore-based piracy monitoring organization, has recognized Chittagong Port's open anchor as a safe open anchor. From 18th position in Lloyd's list in 2009, Chittagong port has been ranked 67th in this list in 2023 after handling the shock of Corona and Ukraine war.The journey started with container handling at Chittagong port in 1977 with the arrival of 6 containers which is now a proud partner of the 3 million club with contributions from all.
CPA Member Shahidul Alam, Director Mominur Rashid, Secretary Omar Faruq, senior personnel officer Azizul Moula, other officials and employees were present.