CHITTAGONG, July 26  ( CTG MAIL  )

If asked to pinpoint the single most impactful reform to significantly boost our port’s efficiency, the unanimous answer would be:

“Unstuffing within the port premises must be stopped.”

Implementing this one reform could solve many of Chittagong Port’s core challenges. Worldwide, unstuffing import cargo outside port/terminal is a standard and proven practice.

The following points may be considered to initiate the shift of unstuffing operations out of Chittagong Port and to increase port/terminal capacity & efficiency::

1. Strict Enforcement of Existing Policy:
Customs already allows 65 categories of cargo to be unstuffed at private off-dock depots. This policy should be strictly enforced, with additional items.
2. Fast-Track Pending Private Off-Dock Depots Applications:
If there any application of new private off-dock depot(s) license approval is pending/processing, authorities should expedite approvals to expand capacity for cargo handling outside the port.
3. Consider Licensing for CFS-Only Facilities:
Authorities may consider issuing CFS (Container Freight Station)-only licenses for locations that meet basic infrastructure and compliance criteria for import unstuffing and or export stuffing, even if they do not offer full off-dock services. The entire facility can be developed on just a few acres of land, either near or far from Chittagong Port and its terminals, in a short time and with minimal investment compared to the existing comprehensive off-docks.
4. Establish Regional CFS Hubs:
Every Export Processing Zone (EPZ), Economic Zone (EZ), and major Industrial Areas should have one or more CFS facilities within or nearby.
5. Acknowledge Shipping Lines as Critical Policy Stakeholders:
Shipping lines are the primary users of seaports. Beyond operating ships, containers, and cargo globally, many also own and manage terminals, off-docks, and logistics facilities in various countries and ports. Therefore, their experience, opinions, and suggestions can be taken into consideration.

We believe better solution(s) is already on the table of policymakers – it’s time for them to take it seriously and act immediately.

Md Saiful Kader, Professional Summary: After completing my Graduation and a Diploma in Information Technology, followed by an MBA, I joined CNC Group in 2000. Since then, I have been working with their affiliated company, Columbia Enterprise Ltd., the local agent for Wan Hai Lines (WHL)—a globally recognized Main Line Operator. In my current role, I oversee WHL’s ship and container operations in Bangladesh.