State-owned Coal Power Generation Company Bangladesh Limited (CPGCBL) officially handed over the responsibility of the Matarbari Deep Sea Port Channel to the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) on Wednesday.
CPGCBL Managing Director Md Abul Kalam Azad handed over the responsibility of the channel to CPA Chairman Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail through a function held at the Chattogram port in the afternoon on Wednesday.
Prime Minister's Principal Secretary Md. Tofazzel Hossain Miah was present as the chief guest on the occasion.
CPA Secretary Md Omar Faruk said, “From now on, the channel's use, preservation and control would be completely entrusted to the Chittagong Port Authority.”
Port dues, berth hire charges, piloting, tug charges, berthing and un-berthing and other charges of seagoing vessels coming through this channel will be collected by CPA, he said.
Omar Faruk said that it would earn a lot of foreign currency, which would greatly contribute to the country's economy.
It is mentionable that under the Matarbari 2x600 MW coal-based power project by CPGCBL, a 14.3 km long artificial channel was excavated. The initially was 250 metres wide and had a depth of 18.5 metres.
Later, the width of the channel was increased by 100 meters to 350 meters.
A 1.75 km long breakwater on the north side of the approach channel, another 713-meter long breakwater on the south side and a 1802.85-metre revetment on the north side were constructed by CPGCBL to make the constructed channel and harbour safe and secure from the force of waves.
According to port sources, a meeting was held on November 16, 2022 at the office of the honorable prime minister under the chairmanship of the chief secretary of the PM regarding the transfer of the channel of Matarbari deep sea port.
Mostafa Kamal, senior secretary of Shipping Ministry and Md Habibur Rahman, senior secretary of Power Division were present as special guests in yesterday's event.