Ctg port revokes 23 ship-handling operators’ licences obtained without tender

Highlights

• Operators were granted licences in April last year
• They are owned by or have link to MPs, ministers of AL regime
• Efforts intensified to dismantle all forms of syndicates at port
• Elimination of syndicates leads to 25% cut in transport costs

The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has revoked the licences of 23 ship-handling operators who were granted permits without proper tender procedures being followed.

Their licences were cancelled last week, Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, chairman of the Port Authority, announced at a press conference held in the port city today.

The operators, granted licences in April last year, are reportedly owned by or affiliated with several MPs, ministers and political leaders of the erstwhile Awami League government.

The operators are Shalutikar Associates, Bismillah Marine Services, NMT-MSN Limited, GD Harbour Services, Lamisa Enterprise, Portharbour International, Ahmed Maritime Logistics, Shahi Shipping and Trading, Maa Trading, S Trading, Taiful Enterprise, QNS Global Logistics Limited, MS Ocean Contracting and Supplying Firm, Gafur Brothers and Co, SS Consulting Limited, AB Corporation, Arian Traders Limited, Brigex Infraxar Limited, Good Alliance Services Limited, RK Corporation, Care Shipping and Freight Limited, KAS Trading, and Khulna Union Enterprise Limited.

The Port Authority chairman said at the press conference that stringent measures have been taken against corruption and irregularities in all areas. "Efforts to dismantle all forms of syndicates and monopolies at Chattogram port are being intensified to ensure a fair business environment."

He said the successful elimination of syndicates has led to a 25% reduction in transport costs at the port, the benefits of which are already being experienced by port users.

Effective measures have been taken to prevent the illegal use of port land, revoke unlawful licences and address all forms of corruption and irregularities, Moniruzzaman said. Efforts are being intensified, he said, to resolve ongoing land-related cases in various courts.

The Port Authority chairman said, "Previously, goods between Pakistan and Bangladesh were imported and exported via Singapore and Colombo ports. On 11 November, a container vessel carrying imported goods arrived at the Chattogram port from Dubai's Jebel Ali Port via Pakistan's Karachi Port. The introduction of this new route has opened up a new horizon for Bangladesh's import-export trade."

He said the new route will reduce both costs and transit time, bringing renewed dynamism to trade between the two countries.

The Port Authority chairman said in the last three months, Chattogram port handled 830,582 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers, 76,986 TEUs more than last year. In the first four months of fiscal year 2024-25, the port generated revenue of Tk1,643.85 crore, reflecting a 21.85% increase compared to the revenue earned during the same period of the previous fiscal year, he said.

Moniruzzaman said, "On 16 July, the number of containers stored at Chattogram port stood at 45,500. Through systematic innovations over the past three months, this has been reduced to 34,000."

The average waiting time for ships has decreased from 6-8 days to just one day, he said, adding that ships arriving at Chattogram port now receive on-arrival berthing facilities. ***