Taking forward the Coastal Shipping Agreement signed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bangladesh visit in 2015, Bangladesh Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan recently launched the shipping service between Bangladesh and India, at a ceremony at the New Mooring Container Terminal of Chittagong Port.
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As part of its service, MV Horbour-1, the first Bangladeshi container vessel to receive permission from the shipping departments of both the countries, has set sail from Chittagong Port on its maiden voyage to Krishnapatnam Port in India. This is expected to further textile trade between the two nations, among other industries that would be benefited from this service.
The vessel is expected to reach the Indian port on March 22 and return to Chittagong Port on March 28, and then reach Pangaon terminal on March 30, port officials have said.
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According to reports, the vessel will operate between the Indian ports – Haldia, Paradip, Vishakhapatnam, Kakinada, Krishnapatnam and Chennai, and Bangladeshi ports – Chittagong, Narayanganj, Ashuganj, Paira, Khulna, Mongla and Pangaon Terminal.
Speaking at the launch, Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan said, “The Coastal Shipping Agreement was signed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bangladesh visit in 2015, and it is being implemented within a year.” He went on to add that road communication between Chittagong and Agartala would also be established by constructing a bridge over the Feni river in the border area.
“The goods transported from the Indian ports to Chittagong could be delivered to the north-eastern region of India through roads,” Khan said.
