Container handling at Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) has increased by an average of 7.61% per day since Chittagong Drydock Limited (CDDL), a state-owned company under the Bangladesh Navy, took over.
The terminal processed 3,181 TEUs on average per day between 7th and 12th July, up from 2,956 TEUs per day between 1st and 6th July while run by Saif Powertech Ltd. This indicates an increase of about 225 TEUs per day.
The Chief Adviser’s Office reports that significant progress was made during the first week under CDDL’s supervision, including the successful handling of ten vessels and the simultaneous management of four vessels across four berths. According to data released in a statement, there was a 36% rise in TEUs from 2,233 on 3rd July to 3,047 on 12th July.
On 7th July, CDDL formally assumed control of the business, ending Saif Powertech’s 17-year run. The Ministry of Shipping has approved the handover, which aims to improve efficiency, accountability, and openness at the nation’s main harbour.
Leaders in the industry praised the development. Former Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry director Mahfuzul Haque Shah was upbeat. “It is encouraging that container handling has increased. “Enhanced port efficiency will contribute to lower business expenses,” he stated. In the hopes of reducing historical anomalies and corruption, he also praised the government’s initiative to include disciplined forces in terminal management.
Saif Powertech, which was contracted to run the terminal using the Direct Procurement Method (DPM), has been commended for its operational effectiveness but has come under fire for its lack of transparency. The contract with the corporation expired on 6th July. The nomination of DP World, a worldwide port operator, to administer NCT in the long run is still up for debate.
