With 952 TEUs of export load containers, the Liberian flagged vessel MV Songa Cheetah has left Chattogram Port for Italy’s Porto di Ravenna (The Port of Ravenna).
For the first time, a container vessel is transporting export cargo from the country’s main ports to a European destination.
Rear Admiral M Shahjahan, Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), today launched the direct freight service on the Bangladesh-Italy route at Jetty No. 4 of the New Mooring Container Terminal.
M Shahjahan, speaking at the launch of the direct freight service, stated that because of the importance of garment export, CPA will prioritize all facilities on the Italy-Chittogram route, including berthing and critical gantry crane allocation.
“The direct freight connection between Bangladesh and Italy has opened a new chapter in our economy,” he remarked.
He stated that if other shipping lines wish to start such a direct freight service, the port authorities will provide all assistance available.
Mahbubul Alam, President of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), claims that if direct container shipping on the Italy-Chattogram route is maintained, Bangladesh will be ahead of Vietnam in terms of garment exports.
