Bangladesh sea and air update 18/10/23

Sea freight and Chittagong port

• The berthing status remains the same at the three terminals CCT, NCT, and GCB, with delay times of two to three days for the former two and as per the berthing schedule for the latter. No vessel is waiting to berth at the outer anchorage.
• The off-dock situation reports regular operations as usual, with less cargo volume than before. The container yard has an insufficient import of containers. Hapag currently has no empty units available. The weather reported is sunny.
• Due to issues obtaining mandatory waiver certifications, foreign vessels at Chattogram port in Bangladesh are experiencing major disruptions. This results in shipping companies either leaving without their cargoes or facing delays and fines. During the last week, five vessels on the Chattogram-Colombo route reportedly left without loading cargo due to these delays.
• Customs enforcement authorities in Bangladesh now have the authority to assess the actual value of goods even after the clearance of imports and exports at the port, according to new guidelines aimed at preventing revenue leakage. However, businesses are expressing concerns that this approach may further slow down the production and trade processes, potentially reducing industrial throughput.

Air freight and Dhaka airport

• The airspace has experienced a marginal tightening affecting numerous carriers. Previously, rates had increased within the US and EU regions last week, and currently, these rates have stabilized at that heightened level. A majority of both cargo and passenger flights have been fully booked for the week.
• All standard scanners at DAC airport are functioning seamlessly, without contention. There hasn't been any congestion and all other operational activities have been proceeding normally this week.
• The air transportation of passengers and cargo in Bangladesh has doubled in the past 10 years, according to State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism. Simultaneously, all airports in the country are being upgraded. He highlighted these developments at the 58th DGCA conference, restating the government's aim to turn Bangladesh into a prominent aviation hub.