90pc construction work complete

CHATTOGRAM, May 25: The construction work of Patenga Container Terminal (PCT) is progressing smoothly with a view to starting its operations in the current year, officials said.
Some 90 per cent of the construction work of the PCT of Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has been completed, they said and hoped that the container terminal can start its operation sometime in July next.
The CPA is implementing the over Tk 12.99 billion project with its own fund to increase draft of the Chittagong Port, enhance its container handling capacity and bring dynamism to the country's prime seaport.
When contacted, CPA Chairman Rear Admiral M Shahjahan acknowledged that 90 per cent of the construction work of the PCT has been completed as of mid-May.
Once the container terminal begins its operation, three container ships -- each having 190 metres of length and 9.5 metres of draft -- will be able to dock at the terminal simultaneously, he said.
"There will be a specialised Dolphin oil jetty in the terminal for unloading (fuel) oil. Apart from that, backyards, roads and rail tracks for smooth communication and other facilities will be there. The construction work in the jetty area has already been completed. The engineering corps of the Bangladesh Army has been executing the project," he added.
"We will get support from the World Bank for the operation of the PCT. I hope that the terminal can go into operation in July next," he said.
A CPA official said the PCT was originally scheduled to be inaugurated in February this year. But the inauguration was deferred as the construction work was delayed due to coronavirus outbreak and the virus-induced restrictions.
The work will end within July and the PCT is expected to be fully operational in July 2022, he added.
According to sources, the PCT will be equipped with modern container and cargo handling equipment like Key Gantry Crane (KGC) and Rubber Gantry Crane (RGC). Ships can take berth at the jetties within a short time as the PCT terminal is very near to the estuary of Karnaphuli River.

[email protected]