Experimental operation of Patenga Terminal by this yr
Sarwaruddin, Chattogram Bureau :
The oceangoing vessels are expected to take berth in the under constructing Patenga Container Terminal of the Chattogram Port from December next .
With the aims of partial operation of the PCT, the construction work undergoing fast. The PCT is being built with own sources of Chattogram Port Authority at Tk2000 crores.
The aims of handling about 4.5 lakh TEUs containers annually this PCT are being constructed.
In the said terminal, an oil jetty will be included. For easy movement of consignment, a number of establishments are being removed including relocation of airport road.
CPA sources said the total works of the PCT is expected to be completed by next two years and in the meantime, partial operation is expected from December next. A reliable port sources said following the gradual increase of container handlings worldwide , the container handling is also increased in Chattogram Port which exceeds the estimation of the foreign consultancy firms. Sources said despite the container and bulk cargo handlings in 6 general berths, Chattogram Container Terminal, New Mooring terminal, the sea port could not fulfill the total demands of container handlings.
To cope with the world container handlings and global competitions of shipping trade, Chattogram Port has undertaken constructions of PCT and Bay terminal.
Engineering core of Bangladesh army has undertaken the task of constructing the bigger container terminal. There will be four 600 meter long berth where three s can be anchored at a time and one oil jetty of 220 meters long .
Behind the berths, 32 acres of land reserved for back up facilities. Project sources said after completion of one container berth within this period, partial operation of PCT will begin from December next hoped by the authority .
Executive engineer and Project Director of PCT Md. Mizanur Rahman is optimistic to operate the PCT partially from the specific time. Port chairman Rear Admiral Zulfikar Aziz told that this is a most important terminal of the CPA and after its full-fledged operation, the container handling will increase beyond expectation. He further said like NCT and CCT , vessels with 9.5 draft can easily be anchored for smooth handling.