To ensure hassle-free cargo handling and exports, the Mongla Port Authority (MPA) under the Shipping Ministry has signed an agreement to procure a mobile harbour crane for the port at a cost of BDT 42.70 crore to ease the port’s container handling system, as per media reports.
It may be mentioned here that the 68 year old Mongla Port is the second busiest seaport of Bangladesh and located in Bagerhat district in the south-western part of the country. Due to increasing congestion in Chittagong, many international shipping companies have reportedly turned to Mongla as an alternative.
“It would help to expedite loading and unloading of port’s cargo after commissioning the mobile harbour crane. It is an epoch making initiative of the present Government to procure the mobile crane after 68 years,” reportedly stated Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan while adding that the current Government has taken up 13 projects at a cost of BDT 454.47 crore to increase the capacity of the Mongla Port.
As per the Shipping Minister, on being commissioned, the crane would able to be handle 20-25 containers per hour and thereby enable earning of BDT 12 crore.
The renowned crane manufacturing company of Germany LIEBHERR will reportedly the crane within 250 days after opening the letter of credit (L/C) as per the agreement.
