The inaugural terminal of Payra Sea Port, situated on the southern coast of Patuakhali, is on track to commence operations by October. This development is anticipated to streamline the transport of goods and enhance efficiency at Bangladesh’s third-largest seaport.
The terminal, strategically located along the Rabnabad channel, will possess the capability to concurrently handle three 200-meter-long mother vessels. It encompasses a substantial 3.25 lakh square meter backup yard and a 10,000 square meter container freight station facility. Two additional terminals are currently under construction.
In March, Belgian firm Jan De Nul successfully completed capital dredging on the nation’s deepest channel, enabling mother vessels to start utilizing the jetty at the adjacent Payra thermal power plant.
Initially, goods will be transported from the inaugural terminal via road using a bridge over the Andharmanik River, according to Azizur Rahman, Deputy Director (Traffic) of Payra Port Authority. However, plans are underway to introduce ferry services to facilitate the movement of heavy vehicles.
Additionally, a 1.12-kilometer bridge over the Andharmanik River is under construction, accompanied by the rapid progress of a six-lane, 6.35-kilometer road. The project’s estimated cost, encompassing the initial terminal, six-lane road, and four-lane bridge, stands at Tk 4,516 crore.
The anchorage area, equipped with marking buoys fitted with lights, has the capacity to accommodate 15 ships for the loading and unloading of goods.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated partial operations of the port on August 13, 2016, marking a significant step toward its future as a key trade hub.
Recently, on August 24, the port authority held discussions with stakeholders, including the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, Bangladesh Customs and Forwarding Agents Association, Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association, and representatives of wharves within the port’s vicinity, to expedite the port’s construction.
Syed Mohammad Mithu, General Secretary of the port’s workers union, emphasized the need for increased communication with importers in Barisal, Bhola, and Dhaka, suggesting that attracting major importers from these regions would boost the port’s utilization and financial performance.
Till August, Payra Port Authority generated revenues amounting to Tk 913.19 crore from 339 foreign commercial ships and 1,459 domestic lighterage vessels utilizing the port’s under-construction facilities.
Rear Admiral Golam Sadek, Chairman of Payra Port Authority, noted the increasing activities at the port, underlining its potential to attract foreign investment and provide crucial economic support to Bangladesh.
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