CHATTOGRAM, Feb 15: The trial transshipment between Bangladesh and India is likely to be started after two months, sources said.
Chattogram Port and Kolkata Port Trust (KPT) are being readied to this effect.
Primarily, transshipment containers and cargoes will be transported to the neighbouring nation through Akhaura land port.
Direct shipment will be made after work on Moitri Bridge across the trans-border Feni river is completed.
Meanwhile, 70 works of the Moitri Bridge on river Feni is already been completed, sources added.
The distance of Kolkata from Chattogram port is 400 kilometres while that of Agartala is only 200 kilometres by sea route.
Both Bangladesh and India agreed on transshipment in 2011 last. Later in 2015, the two governments signed a memorandum of understanding.
Sources said KPT chairman Binit Kumar visited Tripura and observed the preparation for transshipment last week.
He also met with Tripura chief minister Biplob Kumar Dev in this regard.
After holding a meeting, Mr Kumar told local journalists on Tuesday that trial transshipment is likely to be started within two or three months.
Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) chairman Rear Admiral Zulfiquar Aziz said, "Chattogram seaport has increased its capacity in recent years. Now, we're ready for transshipment with India."
"If the government decides on transshipment with India, we can manage now."
The priority of the berthing of ships will depend on the agreement between Bangladesh and India, Mr Aziz mentioned.
"I hope trial transshipment will be started soon. But regular transshipment will depend on the supply of cargoes by exporters and importers."
"In that case, the government will fix up the tariff for handling of cargoes and containers," he continued.
"The CPA will handle transshipment containers and cargoes. We'll fix a yard or terminal for containers and cargoes. Later, lorries will carry the goods."
CPA secretary Omar Faruk said, "We're communicating with the authorities concerned, including KPT, on a regular basis for trial transshipment."
It is to be noted that the CPA handled more than 2.6 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) containers (20 feet long) in 2017.
In 2018, it increased by 9.0 per cent.
The country's premier seaport handled 2.9 million TEU containers (20 feet long) in 2018.
Besides, the CPA had handled more than 3.0 million TEUS containers from January to December in 2019.
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