Striking a difference of opinion, the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) suggests declaring Matarbari area a landing station instead of port of call for transportation of goods for two under-construction power plants.
Also under study is construction of a deep-sea port at that up-and-coming maritime economic hub.
Furthermore, officials said, the seaport authority also wants that after declaring the area a landing station, tariffs on goods and vessels be charged in accordance with the CPA rules.
Sources said Coal Power Generation Co Bangladesh Ltd is implementing two 600-megawatt each coal-fired power plant in Matarbari area under coastal Maheshkhali Upazila of Cox's Bazar district with JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) assistance.
Recently, the Power Division requested the Ministry of Shipping (MoS) to declare the area a port of call so that vessels can carry directly necessary equipment for the power plant up to the plant area.
But the CPA opined that before declaring Matarbari area a port of call, it needs to be declared port first. Besides, the port area has to be published as gazette alongside declaring customs landing station and bonded area.
Presently, the CPA is examining the feasibility of setting up of terminals, floating storage re-gasification unit (FSRU), and various other establishments in Maheshkhali, Matarbari, Kutubdia, Sitakunda and Mirsarai areas.
The CPA thinks that declaring Matarbari area a landing station would serve well the purpose of carrying equipment and goods for the power plant.
In this case, the Chittagong seaport will be considered port of call for the Matarbari-bound vessels, it said.
A senior shipping ministry official said the opinion of the CPA is under examination and a decision will be taken soon in this regard to facilitate the setting up of the power plants.
"Goods and equipment will also have to be carried when the work for setting up a deep-sea port in Matarbari area will start. Thus, the decision as to whether to declare Matarbari as port of call or landing station has to be taken keeping the issue in consideration," he said.
The government has virtually ditched the plan for setting up a deep-sea port in Sonadia area and moved to develop Matarbari into such an economic hub.
JICA will fund some US$3.7 billion for the setting up of the power plants. The loan carries an annual interest rate of 0.1 per cent and has to be repaid in 30 years having an initial grace period of 10 years.
