United News of Bangladesh

Chattogram Port has decided to increase its tariff by an average of 30 percent for import and export activities. Shipping Adviser M Sakhawat Hossain made the announcement on Friday while talking to the media following a visit to the port in the morning. “This is the first tariff adjustment since 1986. The decision was made in consultation with relevant ministries and stakeholders,” the adviser said, adding that while the move is expected to boost revenue, it may also raise costs for businesses involved in import and export. The government aims to enhance the capacity of Chattogram Port and elevate its status on the global stage, Sakhawat said.  To achieve this, he said, foreign operators may be engaged in managing operations at the port.  He,  however, assured that the overall control and supervision would remain in the hands of the government. The Adviser urged all concerned not to spread misinformation regarding the involvement of foreign operators. Sakhawat Hossain mentioned that the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) has seen significant progress since the Navy assumed operational responsibilities from Saif Powertec on July 7.  Chattogram port sets record in container handling in 2024 Currently, container handling at the terminal has increased by approximately 13 percent, with an average of 3,200 containers being handled daily. Chattogram Dry Dock Limited, operating under the supervision of the Bangladesh Navy, took over the NCT’s operations after 16 years. The terminal has since demonstrated improved performance, equipped with modern superstructure and international-standard facilities, the Adviser said. He also acknowledged that the previous operator had also performed well during its tenure. While at the port, the Shipping  Adviser  inspected the ongoing container loading and unloading operations at the NCT and was briefed on the recent progress. Commander of the Bangladesh Navy’s Chattogram region, Rear Admiral Mir Ershad Ali, stated that from July 7 to July 24, an average of 3,250 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) were handled daily at NCT under the management of Chattogram Dry Dock — marking a 12.10 percent increase compared to the same period of the previous month. He added that during this period, 30 vessels successfully completed container operations and that vessel turnaround time has been reduced by 10 hours. Currently, four vessels are simultaneously being handled at jetties 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the NCT. Port users and traders believe that Chattogram Dry Dock’s effective management has accelerated overall port operations, contributing to more efficient import-export processes and positively impacting the national economy.

Shipping Adviser M Sakhawat Hossain on Wednesday said no agreement compromising national interests will be signed with any foreign entity. “There’s been no deal with any foreign company to operate Chittagong Port so far. The present government will never sign any anti-state contract,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting on Chittagong Port management at the Ministry of Shipping in the afternoon. He also said ports in Europe and other developed countries are efficiently run by global port management companies like DP World and AD Ports. “To boost the country’s export-import trade, further efficiency is needed in Chattogram Port’s operations. CPA is working to upgrade port operations to international standards. Preliminary discussions are underway with DP World regarding NCT management. If they come, it will be under CPA’s authority, like other major ports worldwide, for a fixed term. The overall control and ownership will remain with CPA,” the adviser explained. Sakhawat Hossain said engaging an international standard operator will enhance port efficiency and capacity, reduce cargo handling time and attract larger vessels, opening new maritime routes and reducing shipping costs. Container handling is expected to increase from the current 4,000-5,000 TEUs to 6,000 TEUs, resulting in an annual 15-20% rise in container throughput, he added. The advisers said the government has recommended assigning the Bangladesh Navy to operate the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chittagong Port for the next six months. Govt considering land port at Teknaf’s Ghumdhum: Shipping Adviser The adviser said the authority to operate NCT has already been given to the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) following a decision taken at the Council of Advisers meeting on Tuesday. “CPA will appoint an operator to run the terminal. The government considers the Bangladesh Navy a suitable entity to handle NCT operations for the next six months. But, there will be no job losses for those currently working there. The Navy may also take assistance from previous operators if necessary,” he added. Sakhawat said all existing agreements with Saif Powertec over port operations will remain unchanged. Chittagong Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman was present at the meeting.