Mongla port earns operational profit

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Sheikh Shahariar Zaman
The Mongla port, with its increased cargo handling activities, has started earning operating profit since September last.
In the last four months of 2009, the port earned Tk 33 million operating profit.
"Not a single ship visited the port in early August but as on January 4, seven ships were in the outer anchorage waiting to unload their cargoes. This indicates that the situation has changed for the better, shipping minister Md Shajahan Khan told the FE.

"I took oath as minister on July 31 and since then I have been working hard for the development of Mongla and Chittagong ports," he said.
Mongla port was operationally inactive because of the past neglect, he added.
"My ministry has ensured that the public procurement policy under which 40 per cent of the total government imports are done is strictly adhered to," Mr Shajahan said.
"The port incurred Tk 15 million operating loss even in August but it made a profit of Tk 1.25 million in September," he said.
Fertiliser and wheat imported by the government are now unloaded at the port. The private sector has also shown interest in the use of the Khulna-based port, he added.
"Reconditioned car importers are now using the port," the minister said.
Two ships carrying 800 to 1000 cars are expected to reach the port sometime this month, port sources said.
Mr Shajahan said he had a fruitful discussion with the readymade garment exporters and they have also assured him of using the port.
"We will provide incentive to them in terms of port fees and charges and arrange a special ferry at Mawa for them," he said.
The port will become very important if India gives transit facilities to Nepal and Bhutan, he added.
"After the construction of Padma Bridge, less time will be needed to get the imported consignment and send the export containers," Mr Shajahan said.
The government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a Singapore-based company for modernisation of the port, with a view to making it a major regional shipping hub, he said.
David Wignall Associates of Singapore wanted to invest Tk 210 billion under a comprehensive package for the development of the port, he added.
"The company is conducting a study to build container terminals, industrial park, conduct dredging, set up power and water treatment plants and cable car," he mentioned.
The company will submit its report this year and the government after the evaluation of the same will sign an agreement with it, he said.
Established in 1954, the port was earlier located at Chalna, about 18 km upstream on the Pusur River, but it is now located 48 km south of Khulna city.