The much-expected Patenga Container Terminal in Chittagong will come into operation in a week time by handling geared and bulk ships.
The 500,000 TEU terminal having the capacity to handle 10.5-meter depth vessels will enhance Chittagong port’s capacity significantly when comes online on 21 July.
With Patenga beginning operation, the Chittagong port is getting a new terminal after 15 years when the New Mooring Container Terminal came into operation.
Officials say that before appointing an operator, mainly geared vessels will get berthing at the terminal which will be operated by the port authority by adding some of its equipment to handle bulk ships.
The terminal will be operated by a foreign operator, as decided by the government, as for the first time Bangladesh is opening its port sector to foreign operators. Once an operator is appointed, it will bring the required equipment to run the terminal.
Denmark-based Maersk Line, UAE-based DP World, Indian Adani Ports, and Saudi Arabian Red Sea Gateway are vying to get the contract to operate the terminal.
Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) chairman, Rear Admiral M Shahjahan after visiting the terminal on 13 July told newsmen all preparations are taken to inaugurate the operation of the terminal.
He said that on the first day, bulk ships will be handled followed by geared container vessels on a priority basis.
A port official added that as the Patenga terminal will handle mainly geared vessels, other terminals will be able to handle an increased number of gearless vessels.
He noted that the Chittagong Container Terminal and New Mooring Container Terminal of the Chittagong port now have 18 quay gantry cranes thus they will be able to handle vessels faster, unloading and loading within 48 hours.
Sharar Nayel
Asia Correspondent
