Feeder vessel operators adamant to impose container surcharge
Inform CPA about their decision
Staff Correspondent, Ctg
The feeder vessel operators remain adamant on imposing congestion surcharge on Chittagong port-bound containers from tomorrow. The representatives of feeder operators at a meeting here yesterday informed the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) and the port users that the principals (vessel owners) refused to consider the postponement of the decision as the congestion situation at the port did not mark any improvement, said the sources. As a counter measure, the CPA has decided to give preferential berths and other facilities to the feeder operators not imposing the levy. For this the CPA would keep three of its seven berths completely reserved for them including the national flag carriers, said a highly placed source of CPA. The rest of the berths will be rented out on priority basis for the vessels of all operators, including the operators not imposing the levy, the source added. Through a notice on May 5, five feeder operators threatened to impose the surcharge unless the congestion of container vessels at Chittagong port is eased and the turn around time of vessels is brought down to a tolerable limit by a one-month time frame. The CPA and the port users at a meeting on Thursday urged the feeder operators to postpone the decision at least till the middle of August by when the authority expected to get two berths of New Mooring Container Terminal ready for operation. An 11-member committee headed by the director of CPA was also formed to work out means for improving the congestion situation. At the yesterday's meeting the speakers discussed the justification for imposing the surcharge and other aspects including the cut-off time and cost analysis to ascertain the actual demurrage the vessels incurred due to the congestion. With CPA Director (Traffic) Ahsanul Haq in the chair, leaders and representatives from feeder operators, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Chittagong Customs, Ship Owners Association, Shippers' Council, Main Line Operators (MLO), Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), C&F Agents Associations and Bangladesh Masters Stevedores Association took part in the discussion at the meeting.
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