The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) has informed the shipping agents that container vessels irrespective of carrying capacities must sail out from the port jetties within 48 hours on completing unloading and loading of containers. No vessel arriving with less than 1,500 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of import-laden containers will be allowed berthing at the port jetties, the CPA said.
Currently geared vessels, meaning those having on-board cranes, are allowed 72 hours for completing the job while gearless ones up to 48 hours. The CPA decisions are “not feasible”, said Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association (BSAA) leaders while deciding to sit with the port chairman to discuss the issue.
But even if a gearless vessel comes with over 1,500 TEUs of import-laden containers, it will be difficult for it to complete unloading and loading containers within that time, he said. And for geared vessels, it was too difficult since those need much time in discharging the import-laden containers due to a current scarcity of space inside the port yards, he said.
As of yesterday morning, 37,259 TEUs of goods-laden containers were lying at the port occupying over 92 per cent of the designated space for such containers. The scarcity of space is hampering smooth and timely discharge of import-laden containers from the vessels, said the shipping agents.
