CHATTOGRAM, Feb 02: Chattogram port has entered a new era as it now accommodates 10-metre draft vessels on a regular basis.
Earlier, HR Wallingford, a company based in the United Kingdom (UK), conducted a hydraulic survey of the Karnaphuli River.
It then submitted the draft report on November 11 last year and the final report in the following December.
The study suggested that the vessels with 10-metre draft and 200-metre length could enter the port.
As per the suggestion, 10-metre draft vessels were allowed to berth at the Chattogram port on a trial basis in December last.
After completing the trial process, MV Common Atlas, which carries the flag of Marshall Islands, docked at the Chattogram Container Terminal Jetty-1 on January 16 last.
State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury as the chief guest formally inaugurated the berthing of ships with 10-metre draft on the day.
Chief Hydrographer of the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Commander M Arifur Rahman said, “The survey report recommended 12 points of suggestions, including allowing the berthing of 10-metre draft ships into the jetties of Chittagong port.”
Earlier, only 9.5m draught vessels, 190 metres long, could anchor at the port jetty, he added.
Secretary of CPA Omar Faruk said, “CPA first completed the test berthing of 10-metre draft ships. Following the trial, big ships are now allowed to berth at the port.”
CPA Chief Rear Admiral M Shahjahan said, “Big ships can now berth at the jetties. It is a milestone for the port.”
