Princh Mondal Olif, Bagerhat District  Correspondent:

A five-year maintenance dredging project worth Tk 15.3819 billion has officially commenced at Mongla Port to preserve the navigability of the Pashur Channel and sustain the benefits achieved through the recently completed Inner Bar Dredging Project.

As Bangladesh's second-largest seaport continues to expand its operational capacity, the new project has been undertaken to prevent sediment accumulation from reducing the channel's depth. The initiative, being implemented under the supervision of the Bangladesh Navy, is scheduled to continue until December 2029. Port authorities believe the project will ensure uninterrupted vessel movement, maintain safe navigation, and strengthen the port's long-term operational efficiency.

According to officials, the recently completed Inner Bar Dredging Project significantly improved the channel's depth, allowing larger commercial vessels to access the port. However, due to the natural tendency of the Pashur Channel to accumulate silt, continuous maintenance dredging is considered essential to preserve those gains.

Maritime experts and business leaders say that in the past, inadequate dredging often caused navigability problems, forcing large cargo vessels to wait offshore before entering the port. These delays increased transportation costs, slowed cargo handling, and negatively affected import and export activities. They believe the new maintenance dredging program will help eliminate such challenges while improving the port's overall competitiveness.

Once the project is fully operational, commercial vessels with drafts of approximately 9.5 to 10 meters will be able to berth directly at Mongla Port's jetties. This is expected to reduce vessel turnaround time, minimize dependence on lighterage operations, and improve cargo handling efficiency, making the port more attractive to international shipping companies.

Port authorities stated that the project will utilize modern dredging equipment and advanced technical expertise under the Bangladesh Navy's supervision. The project has been designed by considering the channel's geographical characteristics, hydrological conditions, and continuous sedimentation patterns to ensure sustainable navigability.

Officials also emphasized that maintaining the required channel depth through regular dredging is crucial for protecting previous investments and ensuring uninterrupted port operations. Continuous monitoring and strict technical supervision are expected to enhance transparency and improve the overall quality of dredging activities.

Industry observers believe the successful implementation of this mega project will further strengthen Mongla Port as a key economic gateway for southwestern Bangladesh. Besides increasing port revenue, it is expected to facilitate international trade, attract larger cargo vessels, and contribute significantly to the country's economic growth. However, they also stress that ensuring transparency, efficient utilization of public funds, and timely completion of the project will remain the biggest challenges for its overall success.