Chattogram: Chattogram Dry Dock Limited (CDDL), an entity under the Bangladesh Navy, has assumed control of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) as of early today. This transition follows the signing of a six-month management agreement with the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, CPA Secretary Md Omar Faruk confirmed to journalists that this move was sanctioned by the CPA board in alignment with a government directive. CDDL has taken over the management responsibilities from Saif Powertec Limited for a six-month period under the Direct Procurement Method (DPM).
Faruk elaborated that while the Navy is unable to directly operate the terminal due to technical constraints, it will oversee the terminal's activities through CDDL. This strategic shift is anticipated to eliminate irregularities, dismantle syndicates within the port, enhance operational efficiency, and increase revenue generation.
He further stated that the Ministry of Shipping notified CPA regarding CDDL's operational role under DPM, after which the Navy-controlled Dry Dock Authorities commenced the takeover. NCT operations under CDDL officially began at midnight on Sunday. Responding to inquiries, Faruk noted that both Dry Dock and port staff are actively engaged across all operational points, ensuring the seamless loading, unloading, and delivery of containers.
Port productivity remains satisfactory, with users expecting swift and cost-effective operations. NCT, equipped with state-of-the-art container handling equipment, can process over 30 containers per hour, compared to the 17 to 18 moves per hour typically managed by other berths. Annually, NCT manages approximately 12 to 13 lakh containers.
The terminal, previously managed by Saif Powertec Limited for 17 years until their contract expired on July 6, encompasses five jetties capable of accommodating four ocean-going ships and one inland waterway vessel. As Bangladesh's largest terminal, it facilitates critical operations such as loading, unloading, and the delivery of containers.
The interim government had earlier decided against renewing the contract with Saif Powertec. CDDL, situated within the Chattogram Port area, is a state-owned ship repair facility initially established under Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation. On December 23, 2015, control was transferred to the Bangladesh Navy.
CPA is the principal seaport of Bangladesh, managing approximately 92 percent of the nation's import-export trade. Constructed at a cost of Tk 737 crore, NCT features a 1,000-metre-long berth and is supported by facilities spanning 65 acres, catering to the increasing demand for containerized maritime trade. NCT began vessel operations in May 2007, with Saif Powertec at the helm since its inception.