Local berth operators have proposed to invest in the long-term development and management of Chattogram port’s oldest terminal, General Cargo Berth (GCB).The Berth Operators, Ship Handling Operators and Terminal Operators Owners’ Association on Monday submitted a proposal to the port authorities based on a primary survey.The association president, Fazle Ekram Chowdhury, formally handed over the proposal to Chittagong Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman at the latter’s office.
The primary survey, prepared by consulting firm BDRS Limited, highlights that GCB is the port’s oldest terminal, with six jetties built in 1954 and the remaining six reconstructed in 1979. All jetties have exceeded their economic lifespan.
In response, the association plans to gradually rebuild the jetties, equip them with modern machinery, and manage the terminal for a period of 25-30 years.The association will form a consortium under a public-private partnership framework for long-term management of the terminal. The consortium will finance the development through domestic and foreign investment, with an initial investment estimated at $627 million (approximately Tk7,650 crore).Currently, 12 berth operators manage the 12 jetties at GCB—six handling containers and the rest one general cargos. They have been operating the jetties experimentally since 2007 and through formal tenders since 2010.
Fazle Ekram said, “We have extensive experience in managing GCB jetties. Now, we aim to develop and operate the terminal under a public-private partnership framework with domestic and foreign investments.
”This will increase the port’s cargo-handling capacity allowing us to provide higher-quality services,” he said.The port authorities received the proposal and will reply after studying it, he added.Currently, Chattogram port has four terminals. Last year, the Patenga Container Terminal was handed over to Saudi company Red Sea Gateway International Chittagong under a public-private partnership framework.
The process to transfer the New-mooring Terminal to the UAE-based DP World is nearly finalised. The remaining two terminals, CCT and GCB, are currently operated by local operators.
