According to Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) Chairman, M Shahjahan, the port would soon be able to accept larger vessels with a draught of up to 10 metres and a length of up to 200 metres. Currently ships with a maximum draught of 9.5 metres and of up to 190 metres in length can berth at some of the port’s main jetties. They have a capacity of 2,000 TEUs to 2,200 TEUs, while ships with a draught greater than 10 metres can carry some 400 TEUs to 600 TEUs more. He noted that work is still being done to increase the capacity of the country’s principal maritime port to accommodate additional cargo and containers. The port chairman said United Kingdom-based firm HR Wallingford has been conducting a survey for a “Detail Hydrological and Hydraulic Study in River Karnaphuli” stretching from the port’s outer anchorage to the Kaptai dam on the Karnaphuli river. The firm is expected to submit its final report by June and after receiving its report the authority will take a decision regarding allowing bigger vessels, informed the chairman.
