Port users cry over congestion

CHITTAGONG, Jan 13: Chittagong port users have expressed concern at congestion situation at the port's jetties and its outer anchorage.

Bangladesh Steamer Agents Association (BSAA) chairman Tarek Anis Ahmed expressed grave concern at the existing congestion of vessels at Chittagong port.

In a letter issued to Chittagong Port Authority today BSAA chairman urged for taking immediate measures to ease the congestion.

A copy of the letter was supplied to the press here in which BSAA termed the congestion as alarming.

Dozens of vessels have been waiting at the outer anchorage for over 12 days for loading and unloading of several lakh tons of import and export cargo, the BSAA chairman said.

Foreign ship owners are disappointed particularly for not being provided with the privileges enjoyed by Bangladeshi vessels during congestion period, the BSAA chairman mentioned in the letter. BSAA suggested Bangladeshi vessels shouldn't get berthing privileges, including those of the BSC. It also recommended strict adherence to time schedules, no consideration for loading of containers or cargo after expiry of cut-off time and liberal use of private equipment for clearance of cargo or container and ensuring optimum use of port equipment.

However, port sources said about 50 ships, including 12 container vessels are now staying at port's jetties and outer anchorage.

Recent hartal programmes and Eid holidays caused the dislocation in ship handling activities at Chittagong port, officials claimed.