Hanjin's 1,057 empty containers to be sold off

Chittagong Port Authority is set to auction off 1,057 empty containers of Hanjin Shipping Lines to collect unpaid fees amounting to upwards of Tk 70 crore.

Hanjin, once the largest South Korean shipping company, was declared bankrupt in February, and its empty containers are occupying a good portion of the port yard, disrupting normal operations.

Subsequently, the High Court on January 30 gave CPA the green light to dispose of the 20-foot, 40-foot and 45-foot empty containers by way of an auction.

A total of 11 firms placed bids in the auction that ended yesterday, said CPA Director Md Golam Sarwar.

A committee will now assess the applications and award the highest bidders, said CPA Member Md Zafar Alam.

Hanjin, which had been doing business in Bangladesh in partnership with Karnaphuli Group, owes CPA upwards of Tk 70 crore, which includes store rent, container handling charges and other fees. CPA issued several letters to Hanjin Shipping Bangladesh Limited over the outstanding amount but in vain.