'10,000 containers in Ctg Port’: Authorities seek armed forces' assistance for quick auction

Authorities of the Chittagong Port sought the assistance of armed forces today (27 February) to expedite the auction of 10,000 containers currently lying in the port yard due to delays in the auction process under existing regulations.

Chittagong Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman shared this information at a views-exchange meeting held at the Shaheed Fazlur Rahman Munshi Auditorium at noon.

The Ministry of Shipping has been requested to take necessary steps to deploy Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) level officials from the three services to accelerate the physical examination of these containers.

Addressing journalists, the port chairman urged them to remain vigilant against artificial shortages of goods, stating, "We have sufficient data on the import of Ramadan-essential commodities. We are also optimising port transportation through scheduling.

Please monitor the market so that no unscrupulous trader can create an artificial shortage. We are working to ensure there is no congestion inside or outside the port."

To prevent importers from creating artificial shortages, the port authority also instructed that lighter vessels must leave the port limit within 72 hours of loading goods from the mother vessel. 

Regarding transportation costs, the chairman announced the withdrawal of fixed fares at the Pangaon Inland Container Terminal. 

Now, importers and shipping companies can determine fares through negotiations.

Discussing the Bay Terminal project, the port chairman described it as a "game-changer" for Bangladesh. 

"We are making steady progress, and by the middle of next month, we expect positive developments regarding the project's approval. Once implemented, the Chittagong Port's handling capacity will triple, and traffic congestion in Chittagong city will be significantly reduced," he stated.

Highlighting operational improvements, he noted that ships previously had to wait around eight days to enter the port, but now ships can arrive directly due to enhanced coordination. 
Senior officials of Chittagong Port were also present at the meeting.