Posted on December 9, 2024
CHATTOGRAM Dec 8: The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) has decided to free port operations by a monopoly.
CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman said efforts are underway to eliminate the syndicate system and monopoly.
He said 23 operators’ licences have been cancelled over allegations of malpractices after the July revolution.
They were appointed to unload imported goods to lighterage vessels from mother vessels at the outer anchorage.
In April 2023, these licences were issued, and among the owners of these companies were former MPs, ministers and political leaders of Awami League and their family members.
The CPA took the decision to cancel the licences at a board meeting held in November.
During Awami League rule genuine businessmen were not allowed to take part in the operations.
Saif Powertech, a private company, used to dominate port operations with support from some Awami League leaders.
Now, Saif PowerTech handles containers and containerised cargo at the Container Terminal (CCT) and New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT).
The Cabinet Committee on Public Purchase on August 28, 2019 approved Saif Powertec Limited as the terminal operator for handing the containers and container-laden cargos at Chattogram Port for six years.
The Red Sea Gateway terminal (RSGT) of Saudi Arabia was appointed as operator for Patenga Container Terminal (PCT).
Currently, a total of 12 container ships can take berth at a time, but the arrival of the container vessels in the Chattogram Port is rapidly increasing with the rapid global containerisation in maritime trade.
Saif Powertech’s appointment as an operator will end in the first week of January.
CPA is preparing to float open tenders to appoint a temporary operator for New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT).
The interim government emphasised the need for construction of a Bay Terminal.
Recently, the Ministry of Shipping held a meeting with investors, the Chattogram Port Authority, the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Authority, other stakeholders as well as representatives of the World Bank and two global port operators, PSA Singapore and DP World.
Currently, ships larger than 10 metres in depth and 200 metres in length cannot enter Chattogram Port.
The proposed Bay Terminal will be able to accommodate vessels with a depth of 12 metres and up to 280 metres in length.
Additionally, there will be no need to rely on tides for docking. Once the project is completed, it will be possible to berth ships with a carrying capacity of up to 6,000 containers.
The existing jetty of Chattogram Port can accommodate ships with a capacity of around 2,000 containers.
The World Bank has approved $650 million credit for the construction of a breakwater and navigation channel dredging of the proposed terminal.
However, an agreement is yet to be signed in this regard.
