The Chittagong Port serves as the primary national gateway for Bangladesh, facilitating more than 90% of the country's imports and exports and approximately 98% of its container trade. The aforementioned entity holds significant importance in the logistics network of the nation and forms an essential component of the sub-regional transportation framework that links the northeastern region of India, Bhutan, and Nepal to Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. Modernization of Chittagong Port is necessary to realize the goal of the Bangladesh government for a smart Bangladesh by the year 2041. The purpose of this article is to examine the strategy for modernizing the port as well as the potential contribution it may make to the economic growth of Bangladesh. In order to collect information on the topic, the research relied on secondary data sources such as academic publications, papers, reports, and websites. According to the results, modernizing the Chittagong Port will likely result in a variety of positive outcomes, such as higher economic development and competitiveness, better regional connections, and enhanced environmental sustainability.
Chittagong Port is Bangladesh's principal seaport. It is difficult for the port to keep up with the ever-increasing requirements of international commerce due to the fact that its present infrastructure, facilities, and systems are all obsolete. Because of this, the government of Bangladesh has devised a strategy to modernize the Chittagong Port to make it more efficient and effective and to bring it in line with the Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041. The government is currently implementing various administrative and infrastructural reforms at the port of Chittagong.
Modernization Plan:
The goal of the modernization plan for Chittagong Port is to bring the port's facilities, equipment, and systems up to the level that is required to meet the expanding requirements of international commerce. The following are some of the most important initiatives that can take by Chittagong Port to Build a Smart Bangladesh to Mitigate Bangladesh Government Vision 2041:
Expansion of Port Infrastructure:
The proposal to modernize the port calls for increasing the facility's capacity by establishing some specialized container terminals and adding additional berths. The implementation of a Public Private Partnership system for port handling has the potential to result in improved resource utilization, efficient management, and increased capacity enhancement. The implementation of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and the inclusion of renowned port developers and operators, such as PSA International from Singapore, will facilitate the exchange of technology and expertise by introducing their internationally recognized operational proficiency and innovative practices. International industry leaders can provide support to sectors with growth potential by leveraging their extensive connections, the global network of ports, supply chain orchestration capabilities, and integrated cargo solutions that offer a range of value-added services. These leaders also prioritize adherence to international Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) standards.
Adoption of Technology:
The use of integrated technology to produce intelligent solutions for effective regulation of traffic and trade flows on the port is one definition of port automation. This leads to an increase in port capacity as well as port efficiency. To put it another way, all of the port's assets have to be linked to one another and use the same protocols for them to be able to share data in real-time.
Terminal capacity, container traceability, and worker productivity are all expected to increase as a result of port automation's streamlined and improved operations, as well as improved coordination between assets and the terminal operating system (TOS). In addition, increased container moves productivity cuts down on the amount of time shipping liners spend berthed, which in turn decreases the number of vessels that are waiting in line.
The container terminal serves as a complicated link between many supply chains, technological processes, and operational procedures. Along these lines and in a variety of other forms, automation may take place in the form of automatic stacking cranes that allow for quicker movement and placement of containers; automated mooring systems that allow for shorter mooring processes; and automated vehicles that link containers coming out of the port into the hinterland.
Yard automation, the automation of the terminal interface, and the automation of the links between the foreland and the hinterland are the three subcategories that fall under the umbrella phrase "port automation."
Through better container positioning and increased throughput using the same vehicles, automated yard planning makes it possible to achieve this. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs), automated stacking cranes (ASCs), ship-to-shore cranes, and trucks all collaborate in a highly synchronized and pre-planned manner in order to maximize the efficiency with which traveling time and available space are used. Yard automation necessitates the installation of container position determination systems, which use sensors to pinpoint the precise location of each and every container inside the terminal at any given moment. This makes it possible for them to be effectively managed, which in turn makes it possible for them to be rapidly collected and loaded onto a ship or picked up for distribution inland.
Terminal interface automation includes automated ship-to-shore cranes (ASSC), automated mooring systems, automated gate systems (AGSs), and even automated ship-to-shore cranes (AGSs) allowing easier port access for trucks. Having said that, an operator is still in control, but now their primary responsibility is monitoring the cranes rather than operating them. When it comes to rapidly identifying containers, all of the systems depend on either radio frequency identification (RFID) or optical character recognition.
These solutions will make the port more efficient, reduce the time needed to turn around goods and increase cargo safety.
Implementation of Position Detection System (PDS) Technology:
PDS technology employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and sensors to track items in an area. It provides real-time data on item position, status, speed, and direction. This system tracks cargo and equipment at ports for safe and efficient handling. PDS solutions help port operators locate containers, optimize yard space, reduce traffic congestion, improve safety, and boost global trade efficiency by delivering precise and up-to-date vehicle locations.
PDS technologies also improve security. Ports can detect suspicious activity and avert issues by monitoring objects in real-time. This helps detect dangerous or stolen containers.
Streamlining of Customs Procedures:
In order to cut down on the amount of time it takes and the amount of money it costs to clear goods, the modernization plan intends to streamline and simplify the customs processes. The proposal calls for the establishment of an online system for the clearing of customs, the reduction of paperwork requirements, and the enhancement of openness in customs operations.
Benefits of Modernization:
The modernization plan for the Chittagong Port will provide multiple benefits, including:
Economic Growth:
The modernization of Chittagong Port is expected to augment its capacity, alleviate congestion, and optimize its efficiency, thereby rendering it a more appealing option for global shippers and investors. The increase in international trade and investment is expected to result in economic growth and employment opportunities in Bangladesh.
Increased Competitiveness:
The implementation of the modernization plan is expected to augment the port's competitiveness in the global market, rendering it more appealing to international shippers and investors. Enhancement of Bangladesh's visibility in the global market is expected to result in amplified investment and trade prospects.
Improved Regional Connectivity:
The proposed modernization scheme aims to enhance the port's connectivity with the regional economy, thereby facilitating improved trade and investment links with neighboring countries. The aforementioned initiative is expected to offer novel avenues for trade to Bangladesh, thereby augmenting the nation's economic progress and advancement.
Enhanced Sustainability:
The modernization strategy will prioritize the enhancement of the port's ecological sustainability through the reduction of carbon emissions, the enhancement of waste management, and the adoption of environmentally friendly methodologies. The aforementioned action is expected to enhance the general sustainability of Bangladesh’s economy and the environment.
Conclusion:
The modernization of Chittagong Port holds significant importance in realizing the developmental aspirations of the Bangladesh government for a smart Bangladesh by the year 2041. The proposed modernization strategy entails augmentation of the port's infrastructure, integrating novel technologies, and optimizing customs procedures. The modernization of Chittagong Port is expected to yield several advantages, such as economic expansion, heightened competitiveness, better regional integration, and improved sustainability. Nonetheless, the execution of the strategy will necessitate substantial financial resources.
Jr. Radio Instructor, Department of Nautical Science, Bangladesh Marine Academy, Chittagong- 4206
Email: [email protected]
