Equipment shortage cripples Ctg Port, say operators
Monday, 25 October 2010
Our Correspondent
CHITTAGONG, October 24: As ships' stay-time in Chittagong Port has reduced to three days, berth operators and port users today have urged the authority to address the shortage of port handling equipment.
"We request the port authority to provide us with necessary equipment on an urgent basis. Private equipment can be hired to address the scarcity," said Fazle Ikram Chowdhury, convener of berth operators and ship handling operators' association.
His request came at the coordination meeting between the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) and port users and berth operators. Port chairman RU Ahmed chaired the meeting.
Stakeholders of the Chittagong Port said the container and containerised cargo handling in the port has improved remarkably since last week after deployment of the army.
But the lack of adequate handling equipment like straddle carrier, gantry crane, fork lift and trailer is disrupting the smooth port operations, they said.
Delayed delivery of containers to the hook points from off-docks, issuance of delivery orders from the CPA, permission for quick unloading and delivery of hazardous cargo from the port area are also hampering the normal activities, according to stakeholders.
The stakeholders also suggested that the CPA take up urgent initiatives to formulate the proposed master plan to raise the port's profile across the world.
The first meeting of the Advisory Committee on Port in Chittagong will discuss the master plan.
The meeting was attended, among others, by representatives from Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, BGMEA, BKMEA, Shipping Agents Association, Freight Forwarders Association, C&F Agents Association, Off-dock Owners Association and CPA board members and senior officials.
CHITTAGONG, October 24: As ships' stay-time in Chittagong Port has reduced to three days, berth operators and port users today have urged the authority to address the shortage of port handling equipment.
"We request the port authority to provide us with necessary equipment on an urgent basis. Private equipment can be hired to address the scarcity," said Fazle Ikram Chowdhury, convener of berth operators and ship handling operators' association.
His request came at the coordination meeting between the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) and port users and berth operators. Port chairman RU Ahmed chaired the meeting.
Stakeholders of the Chittagong Port said the container and containerised cargo handling in the port has improved remarkably since last week after deployment of the army.
But the lack of adequate handling equipment like straddle carrier, gantry crane, fork lift and trailer is disrupting the smooth port operations, they said.
Delayed delivery of containers to the hook points from off-docks, issuance of delivery orders from the CPA, permission for quick unloading and delivery of hazardous cargo from the port area are also hampering the normal activities, according to stakeholders.
The stakeholders also suggested that the CPA take up urgent initiatives to formulate the proposed master plan to raise the port's profile across the world.
The first meeting of the Advisory Committee on Port in Chittagong will discuss the master plan.
The meeting was attended, among others, by representatives from Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, BGMEA, BKMEA, Shipping Agents Association, Freight Forwarders Association, C&F Agents Association, Off-dock Owners Association and CPA board members and senior officials.