Row over overseeing maritime affairs of Matarbari coal jetty

---

Syful Islam | Published: March 25, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2024 06:01:00

---

The ministry of shipping (MoS) and the Power Division are looked in a row over the authority of overseeing maritime affairs of a jetty of the proposed Matarbari 1200-megawatt coal-fired power plant, officials said.
As per allocation of business, is the MoS authorised to oversee all the maritime- related activities, including conservation of navigational channel. The Power Division wanted CPGCBL (Coal Power Generation Company Bangladesh Ltd) to construct the coal jetty and maintain the navigational channel and look after the maritime affairs, without involving the MoS.
The CPGCBL in November 2013 sought approval from the department of shipping (DoS) for construction of the jetty to load and unload coal for the power plant. The MoS was examining the issue before giving approval.
Officials said recently the Power Division expressed interest to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the ministry which will empower the CPGCBL to construct the jetty, maintain the navigational channel and oversee the maritime -related affairs.
The MoS, however, disagreed to give the sole authority to the CPGCBL rather suggested that a nearest port, or forming a new port authority, can be given responsibility to look after the maritime affairs of the port.
In reply to the Power Division's MoU documents the MoS in a recent letter made it clear that only the shipping ministry is authorised to manage the maritime affairs in the country.
Under the authority, the MoS constructs and maintains seaport, jetty, backyard space, godown for export-import goods, conserves navigational channel, piloting, gives permission for ship anchorage and leaving Bangladesh's waters, environmental pollution and other maritime-related affairs.
It said the MoS also gives approval for construction of jetties by government and private sector. In this case, a port, authorised by the MoS, realises charges from the jetty authorities and enforces rules and regulations of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
It also suggested that the Power Division construct the jetty and maintain the navigational channel in coordination with the MoS. In that case  Chittagong port will offer berthing, piloting, anchoring and channel-maintenance facilities alongside realising charges.
Besides, it said, the MoU should include the conditions of maintaining ISPS code, port state control, flag state control, MARPOL Convention, and other IMO regulations.
The ministry also suggested formation of a ten-member committee to examine the MoU and submit a report within a month. The MoS in the letter named five of its officials for the committee.  
However, even after a month of a MoS letter to form a committee, the Power Division did not send names of its officials for the committee.
An official told the FE that the Power Division wants the signing of the MoU without examining it and to get sole authority to maintain the jetty and maritime- related affairs. "They want to say that the lending agency of the power plant won't agree to involve   other ministries in this affair," he noted.
When contacted, power secretary Monowar Islam told the FE that he had talks with shipping secretary Shafique Alam Mehdi and will soon sign a non-binding MoU.
After signing the MoU, he said, a technical committee can be formed to decide who will look after the maritime-related affairs of the jetty.   
Mr Islam, replying to a query, denied any difference with the MoS regarding construction and maintenance of the jetty.
    syful-islam@outlook.com