Jan De Nul enters into a concession agreement with the Government of Bangladesh for the dredging of Payra Port, enhancing the development of the country’s infrastructure.
Jan De Nul Group’s subsidiary Payra Dredging Company Limited (PDCL) entered into a concession agreement with Payra Port Authority for the capital and maintenance dredging of the Rabnabad Channel at Payra Port. This Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contract was awarded end 2017. The official signing ceremony took place today at the Ministry of Shipping of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Dhaka.
“For many years, Jan De Nul has been executing large PPP contracts in Europe and South America,” says David Jonckheere, Area Manager at Jan De Nul Group. “We are able to deliver this kind of projects and to help public authorities in developing local infrastructure which is often vital for the country’s economic advancement. We are therefore honoured to sign this contract today.”
Under this agreement, Jan De Nul Group will be responsible for the development, dredging and commissioning of the access channel, turning basins, anchorage and berthing areas with the goal to accommodate larger sea-going vessels. For the capital dredging works, Jan De Nul will deploy up to nine dredgers of its fleet, amongst which some of the most powerful Cutter Suction Dredgers in the world. Once the capital dredging works completed, Jan De Nul will perform maintenance dredging for a period of 10 years.
During the maintenance period, Payra Port Authority and Jan De Nul intend and aim to develop the Payra Sea Port into a deep-sea port in accordance with the developed Masterplan. The Government of Bangladesh considers the development of the Payra Deep-Sea Port vital for speedy and efficient development of Bangladesh’s infrastructure, trade and commerce.
Third largest seaport of Bangladesh
Payra Sea Port is the third seaport of Bangladesh, after Chittagong and Mongla. In order to increase the economic activities and contribute to the country’s economic advancement, the National Parliament voted the Payra Port Authority Act 2013 on 10 November 2013. On 19 November 2013, the Honourable Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, inaugurated the country’s third seaport named as Payra Sea Port at Rabnabad Channel at Patuakhali district.
Training of local staff
Under this agreement, Jan De Nul Group commits itself to train staff of Payra Port Authority. Local employees will gain practical experience in managing and executing offshore dredging works. The fact that they will be able to go on site and on board of the vessels will make this training very effective. A win-win situation: the local community is armed with the necessary professional skills and Jan De Nul Group sets and monitors the quality of the training. A sustainable way of collaborating with the local community.
Source: Jan De Nul