Second phase of deep sea-port feasibility study in progress
FE Report | Tuesday, 10 June 2008
Finance Adviser Dr. Mirza AB Azizul Islam said the second phase of technical and financial feasibility study on construction of a deep sea-port at Sonadia in Cox's Bazar is in progress.
Dr. Aziz in his budget speech Monday said the construction of New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) has been completed and arrangement has been made to operate the terminal entirely through private management.
The finance adviser said requirement to get prior clearance before calling Bangladeshi ports by cargo-vessels of countries where Bangladeshi ships do not have any shipping links have been done away with by amending Bangladeshi Flag Vessels (Protection) Ordinance, 1982.
He also said a range of reform measures has been taken by this government to transform Chittagong Port into an efficient and modern sea-port.
He said the Dock Labour Management Board has since been abolished to reduce excessive manpower in the port operation.
Dr. Aziz also said the number of trade unions has been trimmed. Relevant laws, rules and regulations are being modernised and updated for smooth operation of port.
He said average turnaround of ships has been reduced from nine days to 2.9 days this year.
"The average clearing time of containers has come down to 14.8 days. The overall efficiency of the management of Chittagong Port has enhanced by 40 per cent to 45 per cent," he added.
He said: "I informed you last year that the Mongla Port has resumed functioning after a lapse of eight years."
A number of projects are now being implemented for the overall development of Mongla Port.
These are dredging operations and procurement of suitable vessels and cargo-handling equipment for the port.
Dr. Aziz in his budget speech Monday said the construction of New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) has been completed and arrangement has been made to operate the terminal entirely through private management.
The finance adviser said requirement to get prior clearance before calling Bangladeshi ports by cargo-vessels of countries where Bangladeshi ships do not have any shipping links have been done away with by amending Bangladeshi Flag Vessels (Protection) Ordinance, 1982.
He also said a range of reform measures has been taken by this government to transform Chittagong Port into an efficient and modern sea-port.
He said the Dock Labour Management Board has since been abolished to reduce excessive manpower in the port operation.
Dr. Aziz also said the number of trade unions has been trimmed. Relevant laws, rules and regulations are being modernised and updated for smooth operation of port.
He said average turnaround of ships has been reduced from nine days to 2.9 days this year.
"The average clearing time of containers has come down to 14.8 days. The overall efficiency of the management of Chittagong Port has enhanced by 40 per cent to 45 per cent," he added.
He said: "I informed you last year that the Mongla Port has resumed functioning after a lapse of eight years."
A number of projects are now being implemented for the overall development of Mongla Port.
These are dredging operations and procurement of suitable vessels and cargo-handling equipment for the port.