Navy-run Dry Dock takeover boosts Ctg Port container handling, daily avg up 7%
This marks an increase of 225 TEUs per day, reflecting a positive improvement in efficiency and performance
Container handling at the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port has increased by an average of 7.61% daily, following the takeover by Chittagong Drydock Limited (CDDL), a state-owned enterprise under the Bangladesh Navy.
The terminal handled an average of 3,181 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) per day between 7 and 12 July, compared to 2,956 TEUs daily during 1 to 6 July when it was operated by Saif Powertech Ltd, according to data shared by the Chief Adviser's Office in a statement today.
This marks a daily average increase of 225 TEUs or 7.61%.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The Chief Adviser's Office said the first week under CDDL saw significant progress, with successful loading and unloading operations completed for 10 vessels, and four vessels being handled simultaneously across the four berths.
A list of daily container handling from 3 July till 12 July was also shared with the statement on 3 July container handling was 2,233 and on 12 July, the number was 3,047, making a 36% increase.
CDDL officially assumed operational control of the terminal on 7 July, after Saif Powertech's 17-year tenure ended on 6 July. The handover was approved by the Ministry of Shipping in a bid to improve transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency at the country's premier seaport.
Mahfuzul Haque Shah, former director of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry, welcomed the development.
"As port users, we expect quality service. The increase in daily container handling after Chittagong Dry Dock took charge is undoubtedly a positive sign. Improved efficiency at the port will help reduce business costs," he told The Business Standard.
He further praised the government's decision to involve a disciplined force in managing the terminal. "We have already started seeing the benefits. At the same time, we hope the move will help curb irregularities and corruption that plagued the port in the past," he added.
Saif Powertech, a domestic private operator, had managed the terminal under a Direct Procurement Method (DPM) contract. While the company has been credited with efficient terminal operations, its appointment under DPM has often been criticised for a lack of transparency. The company's contract with CPA officially ended on 6 July.
Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing regarding the appointment of global port operator DP World, based in Dubai, for the long-term management of NCT.
