Capital dredging begins at Payra Port

The capital dredging of Ramnabad Channel at Payra port began Sunday says a press release.
The dredging at the port’s Ramnabad Channel will create a 75-km-long, around 125-metre-wide and 10.5-metre-deep channel, through which ships carrying 40,000 tonnes of cargo or 3,000 containers can easily navigate.
The capital dredging channel will cost approximately Tk 4,950 crore and the dredging will be done by Belgium-based dredging company-Jan de Nul.
A press briefing was arranged by the Port Authority. Among others, Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail, Chairman of Payra Port and Jan Moens, Director of Belgium-based dredging company-Jan de Nul and Mohibur Rahman Mohib MP were present there. The port authorities are now preparing the first terminal of the port, which is scheduled to be inaugurated by the prime minister next May.
“When the terminal begins operating, both export and import activities will increase significantly through it,” added Admiral Mohammad Sohail.
He noted that Payra port is now the deepest port in the country, capable of accommodating Panamax-type large ships with a length of 225 metres and a width of 32 metres.
Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail also said that the tariff rate of Payra Sea Port is 20% to 30% lower than that of Chattogram and Mongla ports.
The Belgian company Jan de Nul carried out the Tk6,500 crore capital dredging project, which was financed by the government through the newly-formed Bangladesh Infrastructure Fund.
Following the completion of the capital dredging, Jan de Nul will be responsible for maintaining the navigability of the channel until 2024.
Port officials said Payra Port Authority is planning to acquire its own dredgers and gradually assume responsibility for maintenance dredging.