Orient Express Lines (OEL), Singapore based leading container feeder operator, organized a Vessel Dedication Ceremony at Chittagong Port Authority Training Institute Auditorium on Sunday (11th May 2014), dedicating their newly acquired container vessel to the nation of Bangladesh as “ MV OEL BANGLADESH ”. This vessel is the largest in OEL fleet and also the biggest container vessel that can be berthed at Chittagong Port with a capacity of 1728 Teus including 200 refrigerated containers.
“Since the year 2000, container volumes handled at Chittagong Port have quadrupled to more than 1.5 million Tues in 2013. OEL is working together with the key stake holders to enhance the maritime connectivity between Bangladesh and other ports in the region” said Mr. Biju Oommen, Chief Executive Officer of ORIENT EXPRESS LINES (OEL) Singapore. OEL Operates Container Feeder Services from the Hub ports at Singapore, Port Klang/Malaysia & Colombo/Sri Lanka to Chittagong and Mongla ports and transported more than 12% of the total container through put of the country.
Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan MP was present as Chief Guest at the ceremony and expressed his appreciation for naming of the new vessel “ MV OEL BANGLADESH”. Minister briefed about the steps taken by the Government in enhancing the port and shipping facilities at Chittagong and Mongla port and added that other infrastructures like the new Payra port and proposed Deep Sea Port are in various stages of development.
Syed Monzurul Islam, Secretary Ministry of Shipping and Real Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed, Chairman, Chittagong Port Authority, Mr. Ahmed Yusuf Walid, President & Director of Galaxy Group was present as special guests at the ceremony. Representative of leading shipping companies, Port and Customs officials, leaders of various trade bodies and port users were present at the occasion. GBX Logistics Ltd. represents OEL as agents in Bangladesh.
