A two-man team from Japan specialising in hydrography and oceanography recently visited Bangladesh to assess the current condition of Chattogram port and explore areas for technical collaboration in its development.
As part of a five-day tour, the delegation visited Chattogram port on Wednesday and paid a courtesy call to Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA).
After welcoming them, the CPA chairman expressed his commitment to further strengthen the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Japan.TIMES
He then sought the team’s advice and cooperation on hydrography-related issues, particularly ensuring the navigability of the Karnaphuli channel along with outer channels as well as their development and expansion.
Having briefed the team about the current condition of port channels, Moniruzzaman expressed hope that their experience and technical expertise would contribute to future development.
Highlighting recent operational achievements, Moniruzzaman pointed out that cargo handling at Chattogram port has increased, while the ship turnaround and dwell time have significantly reduced.
He also informed the delegation about improvements in the port’s capacity, implementation of various development projects, expansion of digital operations, and enhancement of security systems.
Following the courtesy call, the Japanese delegation visited various operational areas of Chattogram port and highly appreciated its overall progress.
They also discussed the port’s capabilities with other officials and identified areas where it could benefit from their specialised expertise.
Besides, key issues such as navigation safety, sedimentation and siltation management were discussed in detail, with an emphasis on persistent siltation challenges at Matarbari port.
Additionally, they focused on how advanced hydrographic and oceanographic knowledge could be applied to address these challenges and enhance the port’s efficiency and navigational safety.
Furthermore, the CPA arranged a presentation outlining development plans for the port, after which the Japanese team expressed satisfaction with the progress seen so far.
They also conveyed their willingness to cooperate in the future.
The two-man team from the island nation featured Vice Admiral Shin Tani, a former senior officer of the Japanese Coast Guard.
Tani has held several key positions in international organisations, including the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).
The expert team is known for providing technical support and advisory services in the fields of hydrography and oceanography to coastal countries, such as Bangladesh.
