CHATTOGRAM, Aug 31: Work on Patenga Container Terminal is smoothly progressing with an eye to starting operations within 2021.
The construction of the terminal was initially hampered during coronavirus lockdown in the country, but it is continuing in full swing.
Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) secretary Omar Faruk said work on the terminal is progressing fast. More than 50 per cent of the work is already done.
"We hope the remaining work will be completed within the first half of 2021 and then we can operate the terminal," he told the FE.
Mr Faruk said piling and other work in the jetty area has been done. The engineering corps of Bangladesh Army has been picked to execute the project.
"There will also be a specialised dolphin oil jetty in the terminal for unloading oil, backyards, road and rail links plus other facilities."
After building the terminal by CPA's own fund, three container carrier ships of 190 metres length and 10.5 metres draft will be able to berth at a time.
The new jetty of the terminal will be 600 metres long. Besides, 220 metres long oil carrier ships can be berthed at its dolphin jetty."
Mr Faruk said there will be 16 acres of land in the backup jetty where 4,500-TEU containers can be preserved.
"Under the terminal project, 112,000cft RCC pavement, 2,128cft freight station, 1,750 metres long bonded customs wall will be built. We can start the partial operation next year."
According to the CPA leader, a new jetty is a must to cope with the ever-increasing growth in cargo, container as well as vessel traffic.
However, Chattogram port has experienced 16-17 per cent growth in cargo and container handling in the past few years, he cited.
"Patenga and other terminals, including Bay Terminal, will play a vital role in the growth of cargo and container handling of the country's prime seaport."
Patenga terminal project director Mizanur Rahman Sarkar said, "Work on terminal development is ongoing after government holidays…"
Sources said Patenga Container Terminal will be equipped with modern handling machinery like key gantry crane and rubber gantry crane.
Vessels may be berthed in the terminal within the shortest possible time because of it being very near the estuary of the Karnaphuli.
According to the sources, shipping ministry gave the go-ahead to the project on June 13, 2017.
The cost for the terminal has been estimated at Tk 1,868 crore. The total fund is being borne by the CPA.
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