All private ICDs to halt export cargo, empty container handling from tomorrow

Nineteen private inland container depots (ICDs) supporting the Chattogram port are set to suspend handling of export cargo and empty containers from tomorrow morning (11 December), in protest over off-dock owners attempting to introduce a revised tariff.

Each depot has notified its clients that from tomorrow, it will no longer be able to load export cargo or handle empty containers. Owners say they cannot continue operations under the existing charges, which they have not been allowed to revise.

Confirming the matter, Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (Bicda) Secretary General Ruhul Amin Sikder said the association has issued no organisational decision. "Individual depot owners have communicated their inability to serve clients. They have also informed shipping lines," he said.

"The last time the tariff was increased was in 2016. Over the past nine years, labour wages have gone up several times, but our tariff has remained unchanged. It has become impossible to operate under the old rates, so depot owners decided to halt operations," he added.

If the suspension moves ahead, all export shipments and empty container movements through the off-docks will stop from tomorrow morning. Industry insiders say export-oriented sectors, especially apparel, will face setbacks, while container congestion at Chattogram port could increase.

The depots serve as an extension of the port, handling all export cargo, most empty containers, and 65 categories of import goods. Operators say shutting down off-dock operations would affect port activities and the national economy.

Together, the 19 ICDs can store about 106,000 TEUs of containers, nearly double the capacity of the port's own yards, which can hold around 60,000 TEUs. They handle roughly 2.2 million containers annually, including all export shipments and empty boxes returning from abroad.

The standoff stems from the off-dock owners' attempt to introduce a revised tariff. In August, Bicda moved to increase charges for stuffing, ground rent, lift-on and lift-off, documentation, and port-to-off-dock transport by 30-63% from 1 September. Port users opposed the hike and refused to pay.

Following several mediation attempts, the matter went to court, which suspended the revised tariff. The shipping ministry later clarified that no new charges could be imposed without approval from the Tariff Committee. As a result, the depots continued operating under the old rates despite their objections.

Three months later, depot owners have taken a different approach. Without any formal announcement, they have verbally instructed major shipping lines not to send containers from Thursday. Buyers' associations such as Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), shipping agents, and port authorities were also not formally informed.

Stakeholders say the consequences could be immediate. Since all export cargo is processed through these 19 ICDs, any halt will stop export operations. If empty containers cannot be moved out of the port, Chattogram will face congestion.

Chattogram Port Secretary Omar Faruk said they are aware of the issue but have not received any official communication from Bicda.

Khairul Alam Sujon, director of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, said off-dock authorities have already instructed major shipping lines not to send containers. "This affects the country's credibility. Port operations are part of an international system. When one link breaks, the impact spreads globally. What is concerning is that they informed no local authority before taking such a step," he said.

He said an unannounced shutdown could affect the country's trade reputation and disrupt supply chains at a critical time for exporters.