October 5, 2020: Port to be fully brought under CCTV surveillance by February 2021, says CPA Secretary Omar Faruk
The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has taken an initiative to fully bring the country’s premier maritime port under CCTV surveillance.
Currently, as many as 513 CCTV cameras are functional, while some 400 more CCTV cameras will be installed at the strategic points of the sea port in a couple of months.
Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune, CPA Secretary Omar Faruk said the port would be fully brought under CCTV surveillance by February 2021.
“As you know, it is mandatory to fully bring the maritime port under CCTV surveillance as per the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. As part of complying with the ISPS Code, the number of CCTV cameras is increasing.
“The increased number of CCTV cameras will enhance the overall operations of the port and prevent pilferage from the containers, yards, sheds, and vessels,” said the CPA secretary.
The ISPS Code is a set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities. It was developed in response to the perceived threats to ships and port facilities after the 9/11 attacks.
On September 27, CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Abul Kalam Azad inaugurated the Chittagong Port CCTV Command and Control Centre at the port.
From now on, all the CCTV cameras of the port will be monitored from the command and control centre.
Previously, the port installed the Vessel Traffic Management Information System, a video surveillance system to track vessel movements.
To streamline operations, the port also introduced the Container Terminal Management System (CTMS).
According to Lloyd’s List, Chittagong port, in terms of annual container handling, is now the 58th busiest container port among 100 top ports in the world.
The country’s premier maritime port handled a total of 3,088,187 TEUs (twenty equivalent units) of containers in 2019, up from 2,903,996 TEUs in 2018, posting a 6.3% annual growth in container handling.
Lloyd’s List stated that Chittagong port’s flourishing export trade of ready-made garments continues to drive throughput numbers.
Around 90% of the country’s export and import is done through the port which is located by the estuary of the Karnaphuli River.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
