CHATTOGRAM, Nov 23: Chittagong Port has suspended the four-times penal rent on dangerous and chemical-laden containers for the first time in four years and seven months, citing a significant drop in such cargo within the terminal.
The penal rent had been in force since a directive issued on 31 March 2021. Officials of the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) said the volume of dangerous goods has now fallen enough to restore operational normalcy, prompting the suspension. The move came through a fresh notification from the transport division, issued on 20 November.
CPA officials attributed the progress to the recent disposal drives led by the Chittagong Customs House (CCH). Just last week, 25 long-abandoned dangerous containers were neutralised and destroyed through a two-day operation. The cargo included uncoated calcium carbonate, orange emulsion, whey powder, and skimmed milk powder. All had been deteriorating for years and posed safety risks across the yard.
This was not an isolated effort. Last year, four highly flammable containers that had been sitting idle for 14 years were destroyed as well. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has also completed an inventory of nearly 6,069 containers to fast-track auctions and clear yard space. Many have already been sold, and the rest are waiting for disposal.
The combined drive has eased pressure inside the port and reduced the risk of accidents, opening the door for the temporary suspension of the penal rent. Port users view the decision as a relief, especially importers handling sensitive cargo.
Even so, the port authority has reminded importers that quick delivery of dangerous and chemical goods remains essential.
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