Once the ‘Bay Terminal’ comes into operation, it is expected that the terminal would increase the container handling capacity of the ‘Chattogram Port’ up to 5 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) yearly from the existing 3.1 million TEUs.
It is expected that the terminal will contribute 2 to 3 percent in the growth of the national economy.
To this end, Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) under the Shipping Ministry has taken a project titled ‘Construction of Bay Terminal’ for increasing the capacity of the ‘Chattogram Port’ as per the country’s growing demand.
Under the approval of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) recommended implementing the project under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) method.
Talking to BSS, Shipping Secretary Mohammed Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury said the main objective of the project is to enhance the cargo handling capacity of Bangladesh through constructing the ‘Bay Terminal’ and thus fulfill the demand of international trade as well as facilitating speedy port services with the neighboring countries.
It is expected that the terminal will contribute 2 to 3 percent in the growth of the national economy.
“The existing yearly container handling capacity of the Chattogram Port is 3.1 million TEUs container. The growing demand will exceed the existing handling capacity within next year. We have to increase the handling capacity by more 4 billion TEUs within 2033. Mongla and Payra port will not be able to meet the growing demand. So, Matarbari and Bay Terminal are likely to be the solution. The Bay Terminal is likely to add 2 to 3 percent GDP in the country’s economy,” he added.
He mentioned that this is another ‘dream’ project for the country and it will further strengthen the country’s journey towards the ocean as well as boost Bangladesh’s trade and commerce.
For constructing the Bay Terminal, Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury informed, feasibility study for construction of port has already been completed and the PPP authority is working to appoint consultant for the detailed design.
He said ‘Chattogram Port’ faces container and ship congestion and the importers suffer a lot because of the shortage of lighter vessels, dilapidated roads in the port area and other reasons.
If the containers are shifted to the extended yard in the ‘Bay Terminal’, the importers will be able to take delivery of cargoes from that yard without any hazard, he added.
CPA Member (Admin and Planning) Md Zafar Alam said to enhance the port’s dynamism and efficiency, CPA has taken short, mid and long term plans in line with the development goals, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and 2041.
He informed that the ‘Bay Terminal’ will increase the container handling capacity to 5 million TEUs from the existing 3.1 million TEUs.
Joint Secretary (Planning) of the Shipping Ministry Rafique Ahmed Siddique said the ‘Bay terminal’ will be built at the seaside, nearly eight to 10 miles north of the estuary and it comprises one 1,500-metre multipurpose terminal, one 1,225-metre container terminal and another 800-metre two container terminals.
He informed that a 1500-metre multipurpose container will also be built while the government will construct five kilometer breakwater and will carry out 18.3 cubic meter dredging.
Among the three terminals, he said, the government has decided that two terminal will be constructed and operated under the PPP method.
CPA will construct and operate the other terminal with its own funding and management, he added.
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