Ctg port sees record container handling

Container handling at the country's premier seaport marked a new record in the month of May.

During the month, the Chittagong port handled 94,047 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) import and 91,637 TEUs export containers respectively -- total 185,684 TEUs, which is the highest in 38 years of the port's history.

The port handled 165,950 TEUs containers in April and 155,908 TEUs in March.

Container handling at the port rose 14.50 percent year-on-year to 1.69 million TEUs during the first 11 months of the fiscal year.

Port officials said both export and import trade increased last month ahead of Ramadan and the announcement of the national budget.

Enamul Karim, terminal manager of Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), said container handling usually increases due to a rise in import and export.

The official said several initiatives have been taken by the CPA to increase the port's capacity during the last two years such as enhancing container storage capacity and construction of a multi-storied car shed outside the port.

Mahbubul Alam, president of Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said import of commodities has increased in the last few months due to Ramadan.

He said stable political condition led to such growth in import and export trade.

The chamber leader, however, expressed dissatisfaction over the CPA's measures to enhance the capacity and efficiency to cope with increasing trade.

The New Mooring Container Terminal is yet to be fully operational, said Alam, adding that the CPA should come up with plans to enhance its capacity.