Patenga Container Terminal receives first direct import vessel one year post-launch

Highlights: 

• MV Maersk Ctg arrived from Malaysia on Wednesday
• Patenga terminal handles 1,712 TEUs of import cargo
• The ship to depart with 1,600 TEUs of export containers on 3 Jul
• Terminal features 3 container jetties, 1 dolphin oil jetty

The Patenga Container Terminal (PCT) in Chattogram received its first direct import container ship on Wednesday, nearly a year after its official launch in April 2024.

International shipping giant Maersk Line berthed the Singapore-flagged MV Maersk Chattogram at Patenga Container Terminal-1 around 2pm. The vessel arrived from Malaysia's Port Klang carrying 1,712 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of import containers and is scheduled to depart on 3 July with 1,600 TEUs of export cargo.

Chattogram Port Secretary Md Omar Faruk said the delay in handling direct import ships at Patenga Container Terminal was mainly due to pending regulatory approvals, customs setup, and system integration.

Constructed on 32 acres with Tk1,230 crore from the CPA's own funds, the terminal features three container jetties and one dolphin oil jetty, enabling the simultaneous berthing of three container vessels and one oil tanker. 

With a projected annual handling capacity of 450,000 TEUs, the terminal is expected to ease congestion at other port terminals.

"This is the first ship to both arrive and depart directly from the terminal," said Faridul Alam, deputy conservator of Chattogram Port. "The development signals the start of full-scale import and export operations at the PCT – the first terminal under the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) to be operated by a foreign company."

In December 2023, the CPA handed over the terminal's operation to Red Sea Gateway Terminal International (RSGTI) under a 22-year concession agreement. As per the deal, CPA receives $18 per TEU in handling charges.

Trial to operations

Prior to this milestone, PCT had handled two trial shipments. On 16 February, 16 TEUs were unloaded from MV Maersk Vladivostok, and on 9 March, 208 TEUs were discharged from MV Maersk Jianmen. However, both vessels initially docked at other port terminals before shifting to PCT for partial unloading.

In contrast, MV Maersk Chattogram designated PCT as its primary berthing point and cargo discharge location – a first for the terminal. 

Md Omar Faruk, the port secretary, confirmed that this marks the terminal's first full declaration from a container vessel in terms of both berth and cargo destination.

System in place 

With full-scale import operations now underway, RSGTI has ensured customs and logistical readiness. 

Saidul Islam, deputy commissioner of Chattogram Customs House, said, "Customs officials, including assistant commissioners and revenue officers, are already stationed at the terminal. A container scanner has also been installed by the operator."

On 17 April 2024, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) declared the terminal's 32-acre area as an official warehousing station. Twenty-five regulatory clearances, including those from the explosives department, fire service, and environment department, have been secured. 

Online integration between the customs house and the port's delivery system has also been completed.

An official from Maersk Line, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Business Standard, "This is the first dedicated ship berthed at Patenga Container Terminal by Maersk. We will review their performance and, if satisfactory, consider berthing more vessels there."

Tariffs, ship activity

As of 1 April, container handling charges at the terminal are set at Tk13,605 for a 20-foot import container and Tk16,567 for a 40-foot unit. Export cargo rates are Tk7,187 for 20-foot containers and Tk10,250 for 40-foot containers. Empty containers are charged at Tk2,705 and Tk5,410, respectively.

Since its soft launch in mid-2024, the terminal has seen around 45 vessels – mainly operated by Maersk Line, with a few by Pacific International Lines – handling export and empty containers, averaging five ship calls per month.