Saif Powertec likely to lose Ctg Container Terminal contract

After losing the contract for operating the much-discussed New-mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port, operator Saif Powertec Limited is now also likely to lose the contract for the Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT).
The contract between Saif Powertec and the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) to operate the CCT expired on Monday.
However, as the process of appointing a new operator is yet to be completed, the CPA has extended the firm’s contract by another three weeks.  
The CPA informed the decision in a letter sent to the managing director of the firm on Sunday.
The letter sent by the CPA’s Traffic Department said the contract for operating the CCT was due to expire on 2 November.
As the process of appointing a new operator is still underway, the authority has decided to continue terminal operations through the firm for a further three weeks.
This decision was taken in continuation of the agreement signed on 17 October 2019, the letter stated.
Saif Powertec, which has long been involved in the container handling activities of the port, previously operated the much-talked-about NCT as well.
The government had decided not to renew the contract with them for operating the NCT on 6 July last year.
The government later engaged the Bangladesh Navy-run Chittagong Dry Dock Limited (CDDL) to operate the largest terminal NCT.
The CPA signed a 15-year concession agreement with the United Arab Emirates-based DP World to operate the NCT on 8 October this year, amid protests from different sections, including the port workers.

Following the signing of the deal, discussions for handing over the CCT and General Cargo Berths (GCB) of the port also gained momentum.
If the CCT and GCB are also handed over to foreign operators, all the existing terminals at the port would be handled by the foreign entities.
The discussion gained momentum after the Shipping Ministry in a letter on 28 September to the chairman of Invest Bangladesh requested to process the letter related to appointing the Saudi firm RSGTI as the operator for the Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT).
RSGT is now operating the Patenga Container Terminal (PCT) as the country’s first foreign operator and has already installed all committed equipment, including the sophisticated ship-to-shore (STS) cranes.
The RSGTI has also expressed interest in operating the GCB and the Bay Port Multipurpose Terminal.
Meanwhile, local berth operators also proposed to invest in the long-term development and management of General Cargo Berths (GCB) last year.