Chittagong Port Goes Paperless
Chittagong Port is set to become a fully paperless and smart port by December. The information was disclosed at a meeting reviewing the overall progress of port services.
The Chittagong Port Authority has stepped up digitalisation and automation to simplify services for port users, expedite cargo clearance, ensure transparency and reduce traffic congestion in the port area.
A recent meeting held at the Chittagong Port conference room, chaired by Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, reviewed the overall progress of port services and took several important decisions, the port secretary said.
The meeting said 100 percent of vessel bills are currently processed online. It also directed that all container and consignee bills be generated and collected through the Terminal Operating System (TOS).
A Sonali Bank booth is being set up at the newly constructed One Stop Service Centre, while API integration will enable online payments at any time, including holidays and off-hours.
The port is also ensuring 100 percent online issuance of e-gate passes and gate entry and exit. Time-slot management, online cart tickets, e-gate challans and 100 percent vessel e-NOCs are also being brought under the TOS.
The meeting also decided to introduce an auto-pool payment system for unpaid port charges after 72 hours, online approval of special delivery assignments through the TOS, auction delivery through the NBR/Customs API and online processing of break-bulk operations at the Chittagong Port.
Meanwhile, drop tickets, pickup tickets and EIRs are being integrated with e-gate passes in the new version of the TOS to reduce traffic congestion.
The One Stop Service Centre will also provide real-time document verification, bill generation and confirmation. ICD integration and a payment-based truck parking ticketing system are also being introduced at the Bay Terminal following slot-by-slot mapping.
As part of its future plans, the authorities have instructed all concerned to complete the transformation of the port into a fully paperless and smart port by December.
The automation and digitalisation of Chittagong Port are expected to save time and costs while ensuring faster recovery of outstanding payments and other financial benefits.
