Work is progressing rapidly on the first terminal of Payra Sea Port on the southern coast of Patuakhali. Authorities aim to commence operations by October, enhancing the transport of goods and streamlining port activities.

The terminal, situated along the Rabnabad channel, will have the capability to handle three 200-meter-long mother vessels simultaneously. Covering 650 meters, the main terminal features a 3.25 lakh square meter backup yard and a 10,000 square meter container freight station. Two more terminal construction is going on. 

In March, Belgian company Jan De Nul completed capital dredging on the country’s deepest channel. This development allowed mother vessels to utilize the jetty at the Payra thermal power plant adjacent to the port.

Initially, goods will be transported from the first terminal via road using a bridge over the Andharmanik River. 

However, ferry services will soon be introduced to facilitate the movement of heavy vehicles. Another 1.12-kilometer bridge over the Andharmanik River is under construction, along with a 6.35-kilometer six-lane road.

The total project cost, including the first terminal, six-lane road, and four-lane bridge, is estimated at Tk 45.16 billion taka.

Marking buoys with lights have been installed at an anchorage capable of accommodating 15 ships for loading and unloading goods.

On August 24, the port authority held discussions with stakeholders to expedite the port’s development. Stakeholders include various shipping and forwarding associations, as well as representatives of wharves within the port’s boundaries.

The port authority aims to enhance communication with importers in Barisal, Bhola, and Dhaka regions to boost port usage and financial benefits.

As of August, Payra Port Authority generated Tk 9.13 billion in revenue from 339 foreign commercial ships and 1,459 domestic lighterage vessels using the under-construction facilities.

Payra Port is gradually becoming operational, attracting traders who import products such as cement and raw materials.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated partial operations of the port on August 13, 2016. The port’s full functionality holds the potential for substantial economic contributions to Bangladesh.