Businesses fear prolonged congestion

The Chittagong port urgently needs an action plan to enhance its efficiency, otherwise the congestion there will prolong for another three or more years, feared port users. 

They made the remark at a views exchange meeting on “Expediting the Country's Import and Export Trade”, organised by Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) at Chittagong Port Training Academy yesterday.

Speaking as the chief guest, Abul Kalam Azad -- principal coordinator for sustainable development goals (SDG) affairs at the Prime Minister's Office -- urged all stakeholders to submit their recommendations to enhance the port's efficiency before the port authority in two weeks.

A three-member committee comprising representatives from the Chittagong Port Authority, Chittagong Customs House and another from the port users would then put the recommendations in order and send to the ministry by three weeks, said Azad.

He also advised the secretary to the shipping ministry to formulate an action plan based on the recommendations.

Several business representatives during the meeting anticipated a prolonged congestion at the port for the next three years or more unless the authorities build new jetties and terminals there. 

Speaking about the delays in unloading cargo at the port, Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) President Mahbubul Alam said now it takes about one and a half months to unload a cargo vessel, resulting in nearly US$ 1,00,000 in demurrages.  

Aameir Alihussain, managing director of BSRM, said, “Failing to get berth at the port jetties, we are now unloading goods from mother vessels onto lighter vessels.” But the lighter vessels also have to wait for a long period due to the lack of lighter jetties. 

Urging immediate lighter jetty support outside the port, he proposed allowing the private sector to construct concrete jetties on the bank of the river Karnaphuli for a smoother unloading of lighter vessels.  

The present situation is causing BSRM to pay a demurrage of around US$ 3,00,000 each month for at least three cargo vessels, Aameir also said. 

Shipping Secretary Abdus Samad said although the port remains open for 24 hours every day, as per the prime minister's directive, its activities slow down on Fridays and Saturdays when many stakeholders remain closed. 

National Board of Revenue Chairman Nojibur Rahman, representatives of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturer and Exporters Association, Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association and others also spoke at the meeting, chaired by CPA Chairman Rear Admiral M Khaled Iqbal.