Chattogram port moves forward on the path of smart port

Ayub Ali, Chattogram: The newly appointed Chairman of Chittagong Port Authority, Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail on Tuesday said that Chattogram Port has progressed on the path of smart port. “After modernization of the port, huge number of foreign investment offers have been received. Along with the expansion of port boundaries, the capacity has increased manifold,” he said while exchanging views with journalists at Chattogram Port conference room yesterday.
He said Chattogram Port is determined to play a strong role in achieving SDG targets including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Vision 2021 and 2041.
The new chairman mentioned that the port is an asset for the nation and the state. The whole world is looking towards the Chattogram port.
He said that under the visionary directives of the Prime Minister, under the strong leadership of the State Minister of Shipping and the overall coordination of the Ministry of Shipping, the Port Authority has been working hard to successfully complete the country’s foreign trade by sea.
“Chattogram Port is serving as Bangladesh’s main gateway to global trade. The increasing trade demand of the country, geographical importance of regional communication and port-centric development thinking have constantly increased the importance of the Port,” he said.
The port witnessed a significant development in the recent years including anchoring 10m draft and 200m length ships, starting of direct shipping with Europe, development of Matarbari deep sea port, construction of Patenga container terminal, increase of outer berth area, VTMIS, digitalization, addition of gantry cranes for container handling, he said adding that this is the natural channel.
It will be possible to anchor 11 meter ships by next year. For this, we have to stop dumping waste in the river, he added.
Mohammad Sohailsaid that although the global pandemic Corona and Russia-Ukraine war slowed down the expected pace of the world economy, it did not affect the container handling of Chattogram port rather the cargo handling and income increased.
He informed that exports through the port increased by 50 percent in June, of which 84 percent were ready-made garments. Providing service is the main task of the port which is open 24 hours seven days.
The port chairman said 5-7 billion dollars would be invested for further development of the port in the next three years. He said, it would be possible to launch the new chemical shed of the port in December. “PCT is on trial while the design of the bay terminal and breakwater is in progress. Vessels of 12-13 m draft will be able to operate 24 hours a day in wide channels. The construction of the first jetty of Matarbari deep sea port will begin soon,” he said adding that ships will be able to carry 10-12 thousand containers, if the product is brought in a big ship and it will benefit at the consumer level.
Member of the port ShahidulAlam, Director Mominur Rashid and Secretary Omar Farooq, among others, were present at the meeting.