The vessel movement first ever in a new channel at Mongla port began on 19 November 2020 following 85% completion of dredging works in the last 68 years history of the country’s second largest sea port.
Four goods laden foreign ships plied through the channel. Deputy Secretary of MPA Mofakharul Islam said that the government had taken decision for creating a new channel at outer anchorage of the Mongla Port through dredging that aimed at increasing navigability of the port.
The executive committee of the National Economic Council in 2018 approved a project titled ‘Dredging at Mongla Port Outer Bar Channel’ at a cost of BDT 712.50 crore.
MPA signed an agreement with China Civil Engineering Construction Company for dredging 20 kilometres area after completion of tender processing on 13 December 2018. The dredging area stretches from Hiron Point of Sundarban to the Bay of Bengal. Over 8.5 metre draft has been created at Hiron Point area while 10.5 metre draft at Harbaria area after completing 85% dredging works at the channel.
Chairman of Mongla Port Authority Rear Admiral of M Shajahan said that ship movement and revenue collection would be enhanced through this channel.
‘Mongla port is developing day by day as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is very much sincere and cordial to turn the second largest sea port into a centre for export import activities in south-west region,’ he added.
