First direct ship from China arrives at Ctg port in just 9 days

The first ship on the newly established direct shipping route between China and Chattogram has successfully arrived at Chattogram Port, marking a significant milestone in the trade relationship between the two countries. 

The MV Kota Angun operated by Singapore-based Pacific International Lines, docked at jetty 13 at 10:42am on Monday, after a rapid nine-day journey from China's Port of Ningbo-Zhushan.

Carrying 552 containers, the vessel marks the inaugural voyage under the China-Chattogram Express service, a consortium of vessels from multiple shipping companies. The new route has reduced the shipping time between China and Bangladesh from the previous 20-25 days to just nine.

"The MV Kota Angun has made the journey in record time, bypassing the need for transshipment at ports like Singapore, Malaysia, or Colombo, which previously added time and cost to the process," Chittagong Port Authority Terminal Manager Qudrat-e-Khuda told TBS.

Mahtab Uddin, Pacific International Lines' operation officer, said the direct route will greatly reduce transit time, providing a significant boost to industries in Bangladesh, particularly those dependent on Chinese imports, such as machinery and raw materials for the garment sector.

Mahtab also noted that the first voyage is already seeing an increase in export demand.

"The vessel arrived with 552 import containers, and we are optimistic about shipping 400-500 export containers back to China."
China is Bangladesh's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade totalling $24 billion in the fiscal 2022-23. Bangladesh imported $22.9 billion worth of goods from China and exported goods worth $677 million.

Around 70% of the raw materials for Bangladesh's RMG industry, which is crucial to the nation's economy, come from China. Until now, these materials have been shipped via transshipment ports, causing delays. 

The new direct service promises to significantly shorten delivery times, which is expected to benefit the garment industry.

In addition to the new express service, Pacific International Lines already operates two other services – BD1 and BD2 – on the Chattogram-China route. However, these routes currently include a stop in Singapore for transshipment.

Syed Mohammad Arif, chairman of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, welcomed the long-awaited launch of direct shipping services.

He said the increased competition among shipping companies could potentially lower freight costs for Bangladeshi businesses.

Arif also emphasised the importance of maintaining regular shipping operations on this route to sustain the benefits.

"A direct China-Chattogram route offers significant advantages, but maintaining this service consistently will be crucial to reaping long-term benefits," he said.

As Bangladesh's trade with China continues to grow, this direct route is expected to play a pivotal role in providing faster, more cost-effective shipping solutions for both imports and exports, fostering stronger economic ties between the two countries.