State-owned Coal Power Generation Company Bangladesh Limited (CPGCBL) officially handed over the responsibility of the Matarbari deep sea port channel to the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) yesterday (September 19).
CPGCBL Managing Director Md Abul Kalam Azad handed over the responsibility of the channel to CPA Chairman Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail at a programme held at Chattogram port.
Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Md. Tofazzel Hossain Miah was present as the chief guest on the occasion. Mostafa Kamal, senior secretary of the Shipping Ministry and Md Habibur Rahman, senior secretary of Power Division were present as special guests in the event.
CPA Secretary Md Omar Faruk told The Daily Star that from now on, the channel’s use, preservation and control would be completely entrusted to the Chittagong Port Authority.
Port dues, berth hire charges, piloting, tug charges, berthing and unberthing and other charges of seagoing vessels coming through this channel will be collected by CPA, he said.
It is mentionable that under the Matarbari 2×600 MW coal-based power project by CPGCBL, a 14.3 km long artificial channel was excavated. The initially was 250 metres wide and had a depth of 18.5 metres. Later, the width of the channel was increased by 100 meters to 350 meters.
A 1.75 km long breakwater on the north side of the approach channel, another 713-meter long breakwater on the south side and an 1802.85-metre revetment on the north side were constructed by CPGCBL to make the constructed channel and harbour safe and secure from the force of waves.
