Chattogram Dry Dock Limited (CDDL), an organisation under the control of the Bangladesh Navy, took over the management of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) in the Chattogram Port today.
The interim government decided earlier against renewing the contract given to Saif Powertec, a private operator who controlled management activities since the construction of the container terminal 17 years ago.
As the contract with Saif Powertec ended on July 6, CDDL took over operations from midnight.
Today, a six-month management agreement will be signed between the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) and Chattogram Dry Dock Limited (CDDL), BSS reports.
CPA Secretary Md Omar Faruk told journalists that the move was approved in line with the government's decision.
Although the Navy cannot directly operate the terminal for technical reasons, it will manage NCT activities through CDDL, he added.
He expressed hope that the move would curb irregularities, dismantle port-based syndicates, enhance operational mobility, and boost revenue-marking a historic shift.
He added that the dry dock and port staff were performing their duties at all operational points.
"Containers are being loaded, unloaded, and delivered smoothly. Productivity is satisfactory. Port users expect these operations to be completed quickly and at minimal cost," Faruk added.
The NCT, established in 2007 at a cost of Tk 737 crore, is equipped with the most modern container handling equipment at the port, giving it the capacity to handle over 30 containers per hour.
Currently, it handles around 12 to 13 lakh containers annually.
CDDL, located within the Chattogram Port area, is a state-owned ship repair facility operated by the Bangladesh Navy.
Formerly under Bangladesh Steel & Engineering Corporation, it was established as a complementary facility to the CPA to meet regular and emergency repair needs of national flag carrier vessels and others calling at the port. In late 2015, CDDL was handed over to the Bangladesh Navy.
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