Containers remaining in the port for more than four days, it says, should be moved off dock, while importers and exporters should be encouraged to use their own equipment as far as possible for delivery and pickup. Geared vessel sizes should also be limited to the length of the quay at the New Mooring Container Terminal.
A new permanent committee consisting of 41 members and headed by the Shipping Minister will now meet every three months to review port activities.
There are also calls from the business sector to give priority berthing to those shipping lines not imposing congestion surcharges on exporters. Since July, all major shipping lines have charged an additional $50 per teu, claiming poor turnaround times and high levels of congestion. Initially, vessels operated by CMA CGM and China Shipping did receive priority berthing, but this was withdrawn following pressure from other shipping lines.
In September, 65 vessels were reported waiting at anchorage in what has been described as the worst congestion in the port’s history. The problem dates back to the May 10 handover of operations to Chittagong Port Authority, which had never been previously directly involved in this area. Complaints by stevedores had resulted in 12 former operators being removed from front-line operations. CPA says it will take immediate steps to improve capacity and efficiency.