Light container ship transport to Europe resumes in Chattogram

Movement of light container ship has resumed in Chattogram port to Italy of Europe after 44 years. The shipping ministry and readymade garment industry concerned think, the RMG sector will experience a revolutionary change if the tentative movement of light vessel succeeds.

A light vessel carrying empty container left Italy port and anchored Chattogram on Thursday after 1977. The resumption came as the container transport fee jumps thrice more around the world.

Chattogram port chairman Rear Admiral Mohammad Shahjahan says, the resumption will commute both time and expenses in transporting products in Europe.

“Export goods are now sent to Europe from Chattogram port via Singapore, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and China. The import goods reach the country through the same route. This costs huge time as well as the expenses,” Shahjahan told TheReport.live.

He said, “As the communication link restarted it will save 10-12 days. The Europe-bound ships will no longer need to anchor Singapore or any other Asian country. It will directly go Europe. Products will be disbursed in the UK, Germany and other Europe countries without any interruption.”

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturing and Exporters Association (BGMEA) president Faruk Hasan said, “The RMG sector is expected to witness revolutionary change due to the resumption.” 

“It is a worth mentioning news that the movement of water vessel has been revived between Bangladesh and Europe. This will save both time and expenditure,” Faruk told TheReport.live.

“Apart from Italy, the services will resume in other Europe counties. Besides, the number of container ships has to be increased. Our products will reach destination in stipulated time,” he furthered.

Port sources said, cost of a 20-feet long container was $2000 to transport in Europe, but now the expense extended to $8-10 thousand while a 40-feet long container costs $14-15 thousand.

Faruk Hasan said, “If the number of shipping rises, the shipment problem will be resolved significantly. At least 8-10 days will be saved to transport export goods apart from  the transport cost.

Shipping ministry secretary Mejbah Uddin Chowdhury said, “The transport of container ship restarted tentatively on December 23. Necessary steps will be taken to commute cargo ship in other countries of Europe as well as the US based on success of the project.”