Chtg Port still vulnerable: Non-implementation of security code

Dhaka: The country's largest sea port of Chittagong remains vulnerable due to non-implementation of steps taken to comply with international ship and port security code (ISPS) evolved soon after 9/11 terror attack on Twin Tower in New York.

Maritime seaports across the world are needed to comply with the ISPS code set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) was ISPS certified in 2004 as it took a number steps for tightening of security system in the light with the code.

But, there is hardly any project implemented over the past more than two years.

Port insiders said projects like installation of close circuit television (CCTV) at port yards and the CPA building, introduction of vessel traffic control system (VTCS), building of observatory tower, strengthening of patrolling by coast guard and equipping the CPA security department in line with ISPS code.

In the meantime, piracy at the outer anchorage and stealing of imported goods by local thieves at port yards have become rampant due to lax vigilance.

Recently, Kuala Lumpur-based International Maritime Bureau (IMB) dubbed the Chittagong port and the port in Indonesia as the world's most dangerous ports. According to the IMB, 22 incidents of piracy took place near the Chittagong port.

Port insiders said the CPA has taken a project for the installation of the VTCS. But it is yet to float tender for the same.

The VTCS project, taken at a cost of nearly Tk 160 million, will help the CPA observe movements of vessels at the port and outer anchorage.

'We may float a tender for the project soon as we are experiencing a number of petty piracies at the outer anchorage every year. Besides, the IMB is identifying the port as the piracy prone one over the past few years,' one senior port official told the FE Friday preferring anonymity.

Port insiders told the FE that the work on the installation of CCTV, equipped with fire alarms, is progressing at a snail's pace. But there is no possibility of commissioning of the CCTV within the next couple of months, he hinted.

The project, launched early this year, is being implemented by one India-based company.

Some 126 CCTVs will be installed at a cost of Tk 400 million. The CPA chairman and three members along with director (security) will watch the movements of vessels and activities relating to loading and unloading of cargoes directly through the CCTV.

Port sources also said they had erected an observatory tower near Patenga to watch movement of ships and their crew. But, it is yet to start functioning, sources claimed.

Port officials said it is planning to purchase two boats to increase patrolling at the port channel.

'A process for procurement of more boats is in the final stage,' one official said.

'Earlier, we've bought two boats and handed over to the coast guard to enhance the patrolling to check the piracy and other incidents at the port channel. We'll buy two more boats soon and hand them over to the coast guard,' one senior port official added.

However, port officials declined to comment on the installation of scanner machines at the container terminal to scrutinise export and import goods. This was also suggested by the ISPS code.
'The National Board of Revenue (NBR) will procure and install scanning machines at the container terminal. It's not our duty,' the port officials said.