3 projects to reshape Ctg Port; no ‘Magnama’ deep-sea port plan

The government is implementing three major projects to modernise Chattogram Port and expand its capacity, while there is no plan to build a deep-sea port named “Magnama”, Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam told Parliament today (7 September).

The three projects are the Laldia Container Terminal, appointment of an international operator for the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), and construction of the Bay Terminal.

The minister made the remarks in response to a question from Chattogram-15 MP Shahjahan Chowdhury during the question-answer session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.

Construction of the Laldia Container Terminal began on 30 August on 49.15 acres at Laldia Char on the southern bank of the Karnaphuli River. Chattogram Port Authority signed a concession agreement with Denmark-based APM Terminals for the project, which is expected to become operational by 2030.

For the NCT, the government is seeking an international operator to modernise operations and container handling. Discussions with Dubai-based DP World are at the final stage, the minister said.

The Bay Terminal project includes two container terminals and a multipurpose terminal under a public-private partnership model. Once operational, it will be able to handle vessels with a draft of around 12 metres and container ships carrying 5,000-6,000 TEUs. Its 2D simulation has been completed, while the 3D simulation is expected to be completed this month.

No ‘Magnama’ deep-sea port

Shaikh Rabiul said the government has no project for a deep-sea port named “Magnama”. However, a JICA-assisted deep-sea port project is underway at Matarbari in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar.

Matarbari Port will be able to handle vessels with a draft of 16 metres and container ships carrying up to 8,200 TEUs.

It is expected to add around 1 million TEUs to Bangladesh’s container-handling capacity. Physical progress on the project stands at around 15%.

Year-round Karnaphuli dredging

Maintenance and conservation dredging is carried out throughout the year in the Karnaphuli Navigation Channel, with capital dredging undertaken when necessary, the minister said.

Between 2018 and 2025, around 6.1 million cubic metres of dredging was carried out between Sadarghat and Baklia Char, creating an average depth of four metres and facilitating commercial and lighterage vessel movement.

Measures to prevent waterway accidents

The government is taking measures to reduce waterway accidents by preventing unfit vessels from operating, conducting mobile court drives, increasing surveillance at launch terminals and providing training for vessel masters and drivers.

For coastal passenger safety during rough weather, vessels without bay-crossing certificates are barred from operating on relevant routes from 15 March to 15 October.

The government has also conducted the country’s first vessel census, with 252,813 vessels listed so far, Shaikh Rabiul said.