A comparative study on container movement using inland waterways in Bangladesh
Date of Award
1996
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Master of Science in Maritime Affairs
Specialization
Shipping Management
Campus
Malmö, Sweden
Country
Bangladesh
First Advisor
Horck, Jan
Abstract
This dissertation attempts to focus the movement of containers into hinterland by different modes of transportation and try to stress particularly the movement of containers in inland waterways, its advantage and future prospect. To get an idea of the present movement of containers into various inland destinations this study deals with the brief features and socio-economic condition of Bangladesh and present position of imports and exports of the country. To determine the extent of demand for containerisation this paper will also analyse the principal trading partners of Bangladesh.
The growth and current developments of the existing transport facilities with their problems are investigated. Details background of transport means and infrastructure is discussed to identify basic need of infrastructure. The different modes of inland transport viz. road, rail and waterways through which containers are now moving or can be moved to hinterland are examined taking into account transport infrastructural changes that have taken place. The origin from which containers are brought into a country from outside i.e. the existing port facilities is also discussed to evaluate the movements of containers and their destinations.
Containerisation and inland transportation in other parts of the world is looked at closely, taking into account the consideration of container logistics including transport infrastructure and equipment. To point out some special aspect of different modes of inland transport with regard to containerisation including basic economic characteristics of the hinterland traffic measures to the cargo flow through ports and trade facilitation as well as is also discussed.
A general evaluation of possible solutions of container movements using inland waterways is carried out. This paper has its intention to explain how an inland clearance depot acts and have to cope with modem demands of container movements and handling. The role of an inland container river port, its necessity and advantage etc. in relation to Bangladesh is discussed. The public and private participation in the inland water transport sector for container movements in Bangladesh is also illustrated. The element represents the opportunities and threats are presented together with the main strengths and weaknesses of the industry as a conclusion to the analysis.
The seventh chapter is the concluding chapter, where the summary and conclusions of the paper are given. Some proposals and recommendations are made concerning the immediate need to facilitate the movement of containers in inland waterways.