C T Online Desk: Chittagong Port is determined to play a strong role in achieving SDG targets including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Vision 2021 and 2041. Smart ports have come a long way.
Rear Admiral Mohammad Shohail, the newly appointed Chairman of Chittagong Port Authority, arrange to Meet the Press on Monday at the conference room of the port Authority. He said that under the visionary guidance of the Prime Minister, under the strong leadership of the State Minister for Shipping and the overall coordination of the Ministry of Shipping, the Port Authority is working hard to complete the country’s foreign trade by sea in order to build a smart Bangladesh.
He said that Chittagong port is working as the main gateway of Bangladesh in world trade. The increasing trade demand of the country, geographical positional importance of regional communication and port-centric development thinking are constantly increasing the importance of Chittagong Port. Government is also active in continuous development of Chittagong port.
There have been significant developments like adding 10metre draft and 200m length ships, direct shipping with Europe, Matarbari deep sea port development project, construction of Patenga container terminal, expansion of outer berth, VTMIS, digitalization, addition of state-of-the-art side gantry cranes for container handling. The aim now is to become a regional freight hub.
The port chairman said that although the Covid epidemic and the Russia-Ukraine war slowed down the expected pace of the global economy, it did not affect the container handling of the Chittagong port, but the cargo handling and income increased. Exports through the port increased by 50 percent in June, of which 84 percent were ready-made garments.
Serving port works. Chittagong port has no day, no night, no holiday on Friday. It is active 24 hours seven days. Our port is recognized all over the world. Various countries are showing interest in massive investment. Expected to invest 5-7 billion dollars in the next three years. At the same time, new technology will come from foreign companies.
He said, it will be possible to launch the new chemical shed of the port in December. PCT is on trial. 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. The ship can accommodate 10-12 thousand containers. If the product is brought in a big ship, it will benefit at the consumer level.
Member of the port Shahidul Alam, Director. Mominur Rashid, Secretary. Omar Farooq were present in the Meeting.
