The Bangladesh Navy’s company, Chittagong Dry Dock Limited (CDDL), has taken control of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram port starting from midnight on July 7.
Even though CDDL is now in charge, the previous operator, Saif Powertech, are still working at the NCT of Ctg port. They are continue their work at another terminal called the Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT).
Port officials said that workers who worked for Saif Powertech will keep working at NCT. Also, the equipment and vehicles of Saif Powertech will still be used. This means daily work will not change much; only who manages it is different.
Around 2000 employee of Saif Powertech in NCT are now working for CDDL lead by Bangladesh Navy, port source said.
Port Secretary Omar Faruk said, “Saif Powertech’s contract has ended. Now, CDDL will manage the terminal with support from the Navy. The workers of Saif Powertech will continue as before.”
Saif Powertech has been running NCT since 2007. Last year, the terminal handled 44% of the total containers at the port, making it the busiest terminal.
Since there is no new operator yet, CDDL will run the terminal temporarily.
Saif Powertech’s Managing Director Tarafdar Md. Ruhul Amin said, “We have completed all handover work as per the contract. Even though we no longer manage NCT, we will keep working at CCT.”
But CDDL have asked us to support them so that our setup both manpower and logistics inside the port are utilizing, he added.
The government decided not to renew Saif Powertech, the private operator’s contract and gave the management to the Navy.
Chattogram port has four container terminals: CCT, NCT, General Cargo Berth, and Patenga Container Terminal PCT but NCT handles the most containers.
The port secretary added that a formal agreement with CDDL will be completed soon.
