A Dutch maritime delegation led by Netherlands Ambassador Joris van Bommel visited Chattogram Port on Wednesday to explore ways to improve operational efficiency, strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation and expand the use of modern technology.
The delegation received a warm welcome at the port’s One-Stop Service Building on the morning of October 14. It subsequently held a courtesy meeting and formal bilateral discussions with the chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority.
Welcoming the delegation, the port chairman briefed its members on the port’s recent achievements, highlighting initiatives to improve operational efficiency through automation and digitalisation.
Discussions covered the port’s transition towards paperless operations through comprehensive automation and digitalisation, the launch of its first Port Community System, CPA Sky, and online billing, payment and delivery services under the One-Stop Service. The appointment of foreign operators to port terminals was also discussed.
Ambassador van Bommel recalled the longstanding trade and maritime ties between the Netherlands and Chattogram Port and expressed hope for stronger technological and strategic partnerships in the future.
During the meeting, Peter Ouds Kuipers, trade promotion manager at Maritime and Offshore NL, delivered a presentation titled “Dutch Maritime Expertise and Solutions.”
Representatives of leading Dutch companies accompanying the delegation also presented proposals for improving the port’s overall efficiency, advancing green port initiatives and modernising port management systems. A question-and-answer session was followed by discussions on dredging, logistics and terminal operations between port officials and the Dutch delegation.
The visitors also toured several port yards to observe operational activities and expressed satisfaction with the port’s overall management.
Members of the Chattogram Port Authority, project directors, divisional heads and other senior officials attended the bilateral meeting and exchange of views.
