For the first time in the country, container ships will start operating on an inland route between two seaports to reduce export costs. The operating company has announced that the route between Chittagong and Mongla ports will be launched in the middle of this month.PauseMute

The initiative is aimed at boosting import-export facilities for the greater Khulna region.

Once struggling with various crises, Mongla — the country’s second seaport — has now become a profitable venture. With extensive activity under various projects, the port has seen significant expansion and development.

As the number of commercial ships arriving has increased, so has the activity among port workers. The port’s income has also grown.

However, due to issues such as navigability problems, underutilization of business facilities, and high costs, container ships visit Mongla only about once a month. Yet the region holds immense export potential for goods like fish, frozen items, and jute.

President of the Mongla Port Berth and Ship Operators Association, Syed Zahid Hossain, said: “Mongla receives few container imports, so empty containers are rarely available there. Bringing them in from Chittagong incurs additional charges. As a result, container transport costs more here. If container ships begin operating on the Chittagong-Mongla route, both time and export expenses will decrease.”

Chittagong-based shipping agent ‘Sea Glory’ has taken the initiative to explore this potential differently. The company aims to transport containers using small vessels on the Chittagong-Mongla route.

Their plan focuses on carrying empty containers from Chittagong, loading them with goods at Mongla, and then exporting them via Chittagong. The company’s officials said they conducted a successful trial voyage recently.

Mainul Hossain, Manager of Sea Glory, told Bangla Tribune: “If we are treated as a feeder service, the process becomes more complicated. But if we are allowed to transport empty containers to Mongla like with Pangaon, the procedures will be simpler, and this can help our business excel.”

He further shared that in February, a trial shipment was carried out, transporting 100 TEUs or 70 containers from Chittagong to Mongla. After its success, they now plan to start formal, regular container transport on the Chittagong-Mongla route from mid-April. These containers will carry fish, frozen goods, and jute, which will be exported abroad via Chittagong.

Transporting containers directly from Mongla via transshipment is cost-effective, but the lack of regular operations increases both cost and time. Using ships to move containers through Chittagong will significantly cut both.

Chittagong Port Authority Secretary Omar Faruq said: “Due to draft limitations, ships cannot reach Mongla easily. In such cases, exports can be routed through Chittagong. If there’s a container shortage, goods can be shipped abroad via Chittagong as per the needs of shipping agents.”

Captain Rafiqul Islam, Chairman of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association (Khulna), said: “Due to a container shortage, we can’t export goods regularly. We must increase our exports. Both ports need to be flexible. Since this is domestic transport, importers and those operating on the Chittagong-Mongla route should receive special privileges. Otherwise, they won’t be able to sustain operations.”

Rear Admiral Shahin Rahman, Chairman of Mongla Port Authority, told Bangla Tribune: “Right now, Mongla Port is more dynamic and promising than ever before. Along with infrastructural development, the port area is expanding. Once several ongoing projects are completed, the region’s economy will grow further. We’ve increased facilities to boost both imports and exports. If container transport on the Chittagong-Mongla route becomes effective, it will have a positive impact on the national economy.”

source : dhakatribune