MORE container ships can enter and exit Yangon port starting from this month after dredging near the port’s inner bar known as Monkey Point has been completed, said an official from the Myanma Port Authority.
The dredging project was jointly conducted by Starhigh Asia Pacific Pte Ltd and the Myanma Port Authority from 30 March to 10 April, said U Mya Than, chief engineer of the Myanma Port Authority.
“Dredging was mainly conducted at the entrance of Yangon Port because the port is silted up in the open season. We can cut down on the time needed for dredging with the assistance of dredgers. Sometimes, the ships cannot enter and exit as the river is too shallow. We need to remove concerns over the breakdown of ships which can be attributed to blocked propellers due to refuse in the waters.
The dredging project has increased the draft by 1.5 metres, or from 3.5 to 5 metres at Monkey Point.
This project can effectuate the development of the economy with more vessels able to get in and out of Yangon Port, said U Phone Khine Shwe, the general manager of Starhigh Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.
Previously, Yangon River was too shallow and vessels could enter and exit only at high tide. Now there will be no delay for ships wishing to pass through the port waters. The extended river’s depth will allow more vessels to enter and exit in addition to reducing the overall traffic.
Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
