Global operator necessary for port efficiency: Shipping adviser

Business Report :

Shipping Adviser M Sakhawat Hussain yesterday stressed the need for appointing a global operator and bringing in foreign technological expertise to enhance operational efficiency at Chattogram Port.
He made this announcement on Friday while talking to the media following a visit to the port in the morning.
The government aims to enhance the capacity of Chattogram Port and elevate its status on the global stage, Sakhawat said.
To achieve this, he said, foreign operators may be engaged in managing operations at the port.
He, however, assured that the overall control and supervision would remain in the hands of the government.
Addressing the government’s move to appoint a foreign operator for NCT, the adviser clarified, “It is only about operator. Don’t forget that I am not talking about the management of the port. Operator is one thing, management is another. Management will be in our control.”
The Adviser urged all concerned not to spread misinformation regarding the involvement of foreign operators.
Sakhawat Hossain mentioned that the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) has seen significant progress since the Navy assumed operational responsibilities from Saif Powertec on July 7.
The government recently handed over interim operational responsibilities of the NCT for six months to CDDL, a Bangladesh Navy-run entity, replacing previous operator Saif Powertec Limited. CDDL will continue running the terminal until a foreign operator is appointed.
The government is currently in talks with UAE-based DP World to operate the terminal.
“What we are going to do is only to appoint a new operator replacing the old one. And the purpose is only for enhancing the efficiency. Because I have seen global port operations while visiting those. I do not have any personal interest. I am not even a dweller of Chattogram,” said the adviser.
Speaking about the outgoing private operator, he said, “The private operator that ran NCT and another terminal for the last 17 to 18 years did good job. But the government has now taken initiative to run this terminal more efficiently compared with them.”
Sakhawat opined that Chattogram Port is lagging behind many global ports.
Meanwhile, Chattogram Port has decided to increase its tariff by an average of 30 percent for import and export activities, Sakhawat announced.
“This is the first tariff adjustment since 1986. The decision was made in consultation with relevant ministries and stakeholders,” the adviser said, adding that while the move is expected to boost revenue, it may also raise costs for businesses involved in import and export.
Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, senior port officials, and officials from Chattogram Dry Dock Limited (CDDL) were also present during the visit.