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

The MV Kota Angun, operated by Singapore's Pacific International Lines (PIL), has successfully arrived at Chattogram Port, marking the launch of the new direct China-Chattogram Express (CCE) route. The vessel, which docked at jetty 13 on September 16, completed the nine-day journey from Ningbo-Zhushan, China, carrying 552 containers. This direct service, part of a consortium of shipping companies, significantly cuts the transit time from the previous 20-25 days by eliminating transshipment stops in places like Singapore, Malaysia, and Colombo. Chittagong Port Authority Terminal Manager Qudrat-e-Khuda praised the route's efficiency, noting it could also lower costs. PIL’s Mahtab Uddin highlighted that the route would boost industries reliant on Chinese imports, like Bangladesh’s garment sector, and noted increased export demand with plans to ship 400-500 containers back to China. Syed Mohammad Arif of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association welcomed the direct service, stressing its potential to reduce costs and expedite imports. He emphasized the need for consistent operations to maximize long-term benefits.