Shipping lines, which operate containers to and from Bangladesh, have expressed grave concern over stoppage of handling export cargoes by inland container depots (ICDs) in Chattogram.
The depots or off-docks in Chattogram handle the country's all export cargoes before shipment. They also handle import cargoes in a limited scale.
Bangladesh Container Shipping Association (BCSA), a group of the country's shipping lines, opined that such non-handling of export containers by the ICDs is severely disrupting trade and business.
They also said it is worsening the situation at a time when global business has been facing a blow following COVID-19 outbreak.
BCSA issued a press release to this end on Thursday. The association called upon all entities concerned to take necessary initiatives, prompting the private off-docks to reverse their current stance and resume operational activities immediately for the sake of facilitating external trade.
BCSA said the depots have ceased providing services to their member shipping lines for handling export cargoes since March 11. The depots are refusing to handle cargoes of some three big shipping lines, having large market share in Bangladesh.
The association noted that the three lines - Maersk Line, OOCL and Gold Star - have 30 per cent share in the country's export market and 35 per cent in import.
BCSA said they are committed to settle all outstanding dues as per contracts. Besides, enhancement of tariff is under active consideration of the Ministry of Shipping.
It alleged that the representing trade-body of depots - Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) - has formed a cartel to gain undue financial benefits from trade by collusion.
On the other hand, BICDA said its members are not providing services to three shipping lines, as they have not been receiving their bills over the past two months.
BICDA enhanced the tariff by 22 per cent from January 01.
There are 12-13 large international shipping lines, out of around 42 lines operating in Bangladesh.
jasimharoon@yahoo.com