Nou Kollan Shipping Lines Ltd, an enterprise under the umbrella of the Nou Kollan Foundation of the Bangladesh Navy, has sought a US$35 million contract under direct procurement method (DMP) for lightering coal to the 1,320MW Bangladesh-China joint venture coal-fired power plant at Payra.
The company submitted a proposal, signed by its Managing Director, Captain M. Habib Ul Alam, to the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources on 23 October.
The power plant requires approximately 3.5 million metric tonnes of coal annually.
The Chairman of Bangladesh-China Power Company Ltd (BCPCL) confirmed receipt of the proposal from Nou Kollan Shipping Lines Ltd and stated that it is under review.
Officials indicated that the interim government has discouraged direct procurement between government agencies and private firms.
Sources reported that plant authorities recently held a meeting regarding the procurement issue and considered engaging Nou Kollan Shipping Lines Ltd. However, the ministry discouraged the direct procurement method.
Nou Kollan Shipping Lines Ltd’s Managing Director informed the ministry that BCPCL, as a coal-based electricity producer, imports coal through Payra Port Authority in Patuakhali.
“To unload coal at Payra Port, you are seeking a lightering company to handle cargo operations. Nou Kollan Shipping Lines Ltd is interested in undertaking the lightering operations,” the company stated in its proposal.
“Furthermore, we are committed to performing these operations and services at the existing rate,” the Managing Director added.
He expressed optimism that, given the company’s strong reputation, track record, and contributions to national progress, the government would allow Nou Kollan Shipping Lines Ltd (Bangladesh Navy) to carry out the lightering operations.
“As we continuously expand our welfare activities, Nou Kollan Shipping Lines Ltd has evolved into a trading company in Bangladesh. Our commitment to welfare now extends to engaging in government defence contracting. The projects we undertake, both completed and ongoing, hold significant national importance,” he said.
“As Nou Kollan Shipping Lines Ltd, we are not just a trading company—we are a catalyst for positive change, contributing to the welfare and progress of our nation,” he added.
Meanwhile, former Managing Director of the power plant, Engr Khorshedul Alam, told Just Energy News that transporting coal between Kutubdia in Cox’s Bazar and Payra—72 kilometres away from the power plant—typically costs USD 10-12 per metric tonne, depending on the monsoon and non-monsoon seasons.
He stated that the plant authorities do not need to bear the lightering cost due to proper dredging in the Payra channel.
He added that the government should approve a firm capable of ensuring the proper transport of coal to maintain the country’s energy security.
The government is currently reviewing the proposal, and officials suggested that the direct procurement method may be rejected.
