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A team from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) visited Chittagong Port on January 21-22 to assess compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code in the port and related establishments.
They expressed satisfaction with the activities at the prime sea port.
The delegation, led by US Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Khiem V Nagy, included Martin S Donohue, Irving A Cintron, and Kramer, who hold various positions within the US Coast Guard.
The delegation paid a courtesy call on Chairman of Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman at his office.
Moniruzzaman expressed his appreciation for the support and security guidance from the US team for the comprehensive development of security measures at Chittagong Port.
He informed the visiting team that the port would be fully automated very soon to expedite port operations.
The CPA chief mentioned that efforts are underway to launch a Maritime Single Window to enhance overall port operations.
He also emphasised the importance of cyber security management and urged the members of the Chittagong Port ISPS monitoring cell to undergo proper training to implement the best security practices from developed countries.
Delegation leader Khiem V Nagy stated that cooperation will continue for the effective development of the port's security system in the future.
During inspections, the delegation visited the ISPS Monitoring Cell and CCTV Command and Control Room located at the Security Office and commended its state-of-the-art facilities and professional staff.
The delegates visited several key facilities, including the export container scanner, NCT export yard, cargo handling, and river area security, and expressed satisfaction with the overall security.
The delegation also visited Ispahani Summit Alliance Container Terminal, Incontrade Container Limited, and Patenga Container Terminal, acknowledging the efforts taken to maintain international security standards.
The delegates held a farewell meeting with CPA Member (Harbor & Marine) Captain Ahmed Amin Abdullah and expressed satisfaction with the overall inspection.
CPA Secretary Omar Faruk stated, "It was a routine visit by the USCG. Our port is ISPS Code-compliant, and the USCG delegation conducted periodic inspections of our security measures as part of compliance. The successful inspection of Chittagong Port under the ISPS team has been completed."