Matarbari deep sea port in Maheshkhali Upazila, Cox's Bazar will change the image of the country's import-export trade because if it is launched, traders will get the opportunity to directly transport goods to Europe, America and other countries of the world without suffering in transit so that the transportation cost will be reduced by 30 per cent and time will be saved.

Omar Faruk, Secretary, Chattogram Port Authority said, “There is a plan to start the terminal construction of Matarbari deep sea port by next July-August. Meanwhile the tender process is going on.”

Syed Mohammad Arif, chairman of Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association (BSAA) said, “If this port is opened, traders will not have to use Singapore, Colombo or Kelang ports for import and export. Goods can be transported directly from Matarbari. Neighboring countries can also use this seaport. This port will become the business hub of the region.”

To transport goods from Bangladesh to Europe, America, now a third country's deep sea port has to be used. Bangladesh uses ports in Singapore, Colombo in Sri Lanka or Kelang in Malaysia.

For this, it takes more time to transport import-export goods. Multiple handling of containers incurs additional charges. If this sea port is opened, direct import and export to Europe and America will be possible. This will save up to 30 per cent of container transportation costs.

Matarbari deep seaport will have a 300m long multipurpose jetty, a 460m long container berthing jetty. 14.3 km long approach channel 350 meters wide and 16 meters deep.

Breakwater built about 2.150 km in the north and 670 meters in the south. There will be three tugboats, one pilot boat, one survey boat, cargo handling equipment TOS and security system. About 28 km road will be constructed to connect to the National Highway.

The construction of the breakwater has already been completed. Approach channel construction is also nearing completion. Tenders have been invited for procurement of civil works for port construction, cargo handling equipment TOS and security system tugboat, survey boat and pilot boat.

After evaluation of this tender, the ministry will give final approval. The Port Authority has set a target of starting the final process of constructing the deep sea port by July-August.

@The report was published in Bengali on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on February 18 and rewritten in English by Tanvir Raihan.