Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
The development project proposal (DPP) of the Bay Terminal, a game changer that can potentially revitalise economy, is expected to get the green light by mid-March.
Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman has said this while exchanging views with senior journalists at Mushi Fazlur Rahman Hall of the CPA on Thursday.
"Bay Terminal is the most important addition to Chittagong port. We've already acquired 500 acres of land for the terminal. The sooner we can make it, the better Bangladesh will be benefited. The terminals of Chittagong port will be handled by international operators through open bidding."
The CPA chief said the security of Chittagong port was a big challenge. A team of the US Coast Guard visited the country's prime seaport in January to scrutinise the compliance of ISPS code in the port and related establishments.
"This time, they have been satisfied over port activities," he said, adding: "We're trying to make our port modern, green and fully automated."
The cargo growth of Chittagong port is 7-10 per cent. Chittagong port will handle 5.0-million TEUs of containers in 2030.
"So, we're making changes inside the system of the port to handle more containers. We're trying to make 19 off-docks more efficient and also removing all hazardous cargoes from jetties under the Asycuda System along with the Chattogram Customs House (CCH)."
The Ministry of Shipping, the National Board of Revenue and the CCH extended maximum cooperation to the CPA during his tenure.
"The media is a part of this port. I see every report of yours. We're trying to overcome our limitations and doing our best in the interest of the country. People will reap the benefits of our efforts.
"We've taken multiple measures, including the issuance of the digital gate pass, to ensure foolproof security of the prime port," continued Mr Monir.
The CPA chief said the freight charge of lighterage ships was fixed at Pangaon earlier.
Meanwhile, some good companies of the world have expressed interest in operating Pangaon.
Top CPA officials, including secretary Omar Faruk, were present at the meeting.
nazimuddinshyamol@gmail.com