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Bay Terminal at Chattogram port to be a game-changer for Bangladesh
Chairman of Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman has said the proposed Bay Terminal at Chattogram port will be a game-changer for Bangladesh. Speaking at a press briefing at Shaheed Md Fazlur Rahman Munshi Auditorium on Thursday, he expressed his optimism about expediting
Bay Terminal at Chattogram port to be a game-changer for Bangladesh
FE Online Desk
Published :
Feb 28, 2025 15:22
Updated :
Feb 28, 2025 15:27
Chairman of Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman. File Photo
Chairman of Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman has said the proposed Bay Terminal at Chattogram port will be a game-changer for Bangladesh.
Speaking at a press briefing at Shaheed Md Fazlur Rahman Munshi Auditorium on Thursday, he expressed his optimism about expediting the pre-implementation process of the mega-project saying a major update regarding the Bay terminal is expected by next month, BSS reports.
"The Bay Terminal will be a game-changer for Bangladesh. The Draft Project Proposal (DPP) is expected to be approved by mid-next month. We have already acquired 500 acres of land for the mega-project. The country will benefit more as soon as we complete the project," the port chairman said.
He, however, said that developed countries have fully automated green ports. "Our cargo growth rate is still 7-10 percent. We need to handle 5 million TEUs per year. We are trying to bring systematic changes and need to build over-flow yards apart from working to make the operations of 19 off-docks facilities," he added.
Emphasizing the priority on overall port security, the CPA chairman said, "Port is a national blessing and ensuring its security is our foremost priority. In no way, we can allow the disruption of port operation."
He informed that a US team on International Shipping and Port Security (ISPS) has conducted an audit and expressed its satisfaction regarding security measures taken in and outside the port.
In this context, he pointed out that CPA and Custom House have been working together to improve the operation in cargo release activities as well as removal of hazardous cargo from the ASYCUDA World system during imports.
"Around 120 refrigerated (temperature-controlled) containers had been plugged in for nine months, and those were destroyed. This kind of initiative had not been taken in the past 10-15 years, but we have completed it in just 3-4 months. There are 10,000 containers eligible for auction that has been lying around occupying huge spaces inside the port jetty.
"Once these idle goods laden containers are removed through auction after completion of on-going inventory, we will have space for smooth container operation for the next 4-5 years," he added.
He also informed that measures have been taken to prevent petty thefts within the port premises.
"We even traced an attempt where a vehicle chassis was used to smuggle goods. We have implemented multiple security measures to ensure that no one could utilize any loophole for forgery or burglary," the CPA chairman said.
In addition, he mentioned that cargo loaded from larger ships at the outer anchorage cannot remain idle within the port area for more than 72 hours.
He requested the media to highlight the positive achievement of the port; as misleading information regarding key-installation of the country's economic gateway usually projects negative impressions to the outside world.
"Railway wagon and engine shortage along with strikes called by outside workforce related to port operation often hampers port operation and affects the overall the performance of the port," he observed.
Freight for shipping at Pangao terminal was fixed earlier but it is now open as the market should determine the rates. Many reputed international companies have shown interest to operate Pangao Terminal. "We are committed to making the port more business-friendly and competitive," he said.
