Mongla: Anchoring of commercial ships from different countries to the Mongla Port, the second largest seaport in the country, has increased over the last couple of weeks, boosting its revenue earnings.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, on Monday, three foreign ships and a barge laden with various imported goods and machinery simultaneously anchored at the jetty of Mongla Port. Of the three ships loaded with imported goods, the Panama flag carrier MVKS, carrying machinery for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), docked at the number 9 jetty. Meanwhile, the Martial Island flag carrier MV Marks and Indian flag carrier MV Jaira anchored at the number 7 and number 6 jetties, respectively.
Additionally, the Panama flag carrier MV Batam ship anchored at the number 8 jetty, as stated by Muhammad Makruzzaman, Deputy Director (Public Relations) of the Mongla Port Authority (MPA) on Tuesday afternoon. Seventeen foreign ships carrying coal, fertilizer, clinker, LPG, and stone currently remain anchored at the outer anchorage of the Port Limited and Boya of Harbaria point.
Makruzzaman further mentioned that 74 commercial ships have departed the port either after loading or unloading goods till Monday since the start of this year. The imported goods are being dispatched to various parts of the country effortlessly due to suitable river, road, and railway route facilities.
Siddiqur Rahman, chief finance and accounts officer of the MPA, highlighted that the arrival of foreign commercial ships has risen since the beginning of this year compared to previous periods. He noted that 413 commercial ships arrived at the port during the first six months of the current 2024-25 financial year, with 10,386 TEUs containers being unloaded. Additionally, 10 vehicle-carrying ships with 5,637 vehicles arrived during the same period.
The import and export of 52,84,471 tonnes of goods were conducted during this time, earning revenue worth Taka 210 crore. The import of reconditioned cars through Mongla Port has seen substantial growth as importers show increased interest in bringing automobiles through the seaport.
MPA Chairman Rear Admiral Shahin Rahman expressed that Mongla Port is on the path to becoming an international port. Alongside the rise in the number of ships, the volume of imported and exported goods has also increased. He expressed hope that the successful implementation of ongoing projects will transform the port into an eco-friendly and business-friendly hub on the global stage.