Ctg port to allow vessels larger than usual

Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) is going to allow vessels of higher draught and length than usual from January 16, setting a milestone in the country’s export and import businesses.

The initiative will save crores of dollars being spent for hiring vessels and leave a positive impact on the country’s economy.

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury is expected to inaugurate the initiative through a ceremony.  

CPA Secretary Omar Faruk said on Thursday that they would be allowing the large vessels from January 16.

"The port used to allow vessels having 9.5 metre draught and 190 metre length. But, following a survey conducted by a foreign company for around two years, the authority is now going to allow vessels having 10 metre draught and 200 metre length," he said.

The vessel larger than before will be able to carry more containers and goods, reducing the cost for the importers and exporters, Faruk said.

According to the secretary, the new activities will also enhance the capacity of the country’s premier seaport.

“We have already circulated the issue of allowing larger ships from January 16 and the first vessel, which is yet to be confirmed, will take berth at Jetty no.1 of the Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT),” he added.

Discussions had been going on over allowing vessels of more draught and length at the port jetty to accelerate the export and import business over the last few years.

Amid the discussion, the CPA assigned "HR Wallingford" for study on the river Karnaphuli and the port channel.

After carrying out the study for around two years, the foreign firm submitted their report to the CPA in September last year.

According to the sources in the port, the company, during the study, focused on allowing vessels with higher draught and length, potential spots on the both banks of the river for use as jetty or yard and the highest size and draught of vessels can be allowed at the port in future.

The businesspeople observed that if the vessels with higher length and draught are allowed, it will reduce the transportation cost to a great extent.

The reduced cost will leave an impact on the price of goods and the consumers will get the benefit finally, they said.

Now, vessels having 9.5 metre draught and 190 metre length can carry the highest number of 2,400 containers. The vessels with the increased draught and length will be able to carry over 3,000 containers at a time.

The number of vessels will also be reduced, easing the goods handling at the port further, they said.

Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFFA) Vice President Khairul Alam Suzan said many vessels of the world cannot arrive at the port for limited draught and length.

The businesspeople engaged with the export and import businesses have been demanding for allowing the vessels with higher draught and length for long, he said.

“The initiative will surely help reduce the transportation cost. The congestion at different transshipment ports will also be reduced due to movement of larger vessels,” said Suzan.

The BAFFA vice president also observed that the initiative will also reduce the turnaround time of vessels significantly after carrying a good number of containers at a time.