The Patenga Container Terminal (PCT), the first foreign firm-operated terminal of Chattogram Port, has started handling import-laden containers around 11 months after beginning partial operations in June last year.

With this, the terminal has finally commenced two-way cargo operations, handling both import and export containers from a vessel.

So far, ships had been berthing at the terminal only to take away export containers.

Saudi firm Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) is operating the terminal.

A ship named Maersk Chattogram, carrying around 1,700 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of import containers from Port Klang, berthed at a jetty of the terminal on April 30, said a press release issued by RSGT Chittagong today.

After discharging the imports, the ship departed with 2,300 TEUs of export containers, including 600 TEUs of laden ones, it added.

Chittagong Port Authority Secretary Md Omar Faruk said it took time to begin handling import containers as the operator needed several permissions, such as the use of scanners and other licences, from the National Board of Revenue.

This development follows a $3.5 million investment in a new scanner, which improves cargo inspection and processing, handling 150 containers per hour, said RSGT.

"This marks a significant moment for RSGT Chittagong as we move from trial to full-fledged operations," said Erwin Haaze, RSGT Bangladesh CEO.

"We are proud to be contributing to the growth and modernisation of Bangladesh's maritime trade, ensuring world-class service standards for our clients and partners," he said.

Port users, however, said full-scale operations at the terminal would begin after the installation of vital container handling equipment such as ship-to-shore cranes.

RSGT has already invested $26 million in purchasing 14 rubber-tyred gantry cranes and approximately $30 million in four ship-to-shore cranes.