Throughout the world the Shippers and exporters form association to promote and protect their interest which is known as Shippers’ Council. Shippers’ Council of Bangladesh is the national association of shippers including Shipping Agents, Freight Forwarders, C & F Agents and exporters in general. It was formed in 1977 at Government initiative as a body corporate. Internally it was licensed under T.O. Ordinance and registered under Companies Act. 1913(revised 1994). Internationally this council is recognized by UNCTAD and ESCAP.

Service to the Shippers

1. Shippers’ Council resolves the day to day problems of the Shippers and exporters in respect of shortage of shipping space, delay in delivery, short delivery and non-delivery of foreign trade cargo to the consignee.

2. Shippers’ Council deals with port conditions, port charges and port services, carrying of cargo to and form the port, freight rates of Railways, Trucks and Waterways carrying export/import cargo.

3. Shippers’ Council looks into freight rates charged by the Shipping Lines and the justification behind freight increase from time to time, so that the Shippers; interest does not hamper.

4. It organizes and holds workshops, seminars and meetings to educate the Shippers’ Exporters and Transport operators about the most efficient and economic transportation technique of export/import cargo and the formalities of Shipping/export.

5. It collects necessary information and statistical data from related agencies for use by the shippers  and transport operators.

6. It holds consultation with national carriers, such as BSC, to improve their service and to ensure support of shippers to them.

7. It deals with problems faced by shippers/shipping lines in getting waivers under the provision of Flag Vessels (Protection) Ordinance 1982.

8. It publishes a magazine styled “Shipping News” containing information relating to Shipping.

9. This council is represented in various Committees and Advisory Bodies constituted by Government, specially which relate to shipping and port operation.

10. This council gives advice to Government whenever any shipping problem arises.

Some remarkable activities of this Council which immensely benefited

Shippers/Shipping Lines of the country are given below:

1. In 1982 IPBC Conference Line members proposed freight increase, Shippers’ Council on successful negotiation finally stopped this freight increase attempted by IPBC.

2. Members of CALCUSA Lines had announced ocean freight increase in 1983 but at the initiative and persuasion by Shippers’ Council, CALCUSA Lines deferred this freight increase.

3. In 1984 the Shippers’ Council succeeded in reducing the freight rate increased by the Shipping Corporation of India in Bangladesh-Australia/New Zealand route.

4. In 1984 the IPBC Conference had again increased freight rate. At the instance of Shippers’ Council this increase was deferred for about 6 months and finally the freight increase was reduced to 10% as against 30% initially proposed.

5. Owing to SCB’s ceaseless efforts the Shipping Corporation of India was compelled to reduce their proposed freight increase by about 50% and this benefited the trade in Bangladesh (to the extent of nearly half a million US Dollars annually).

6. In April 96 when Shipping Lines (Members of CFTC & ANERA) imposed Congestion Surcharge on cargoes passing through ChittagongPort, Government of Bangladesh constituted a high powered delegation to discuss and get this Congestion Surcharge withdrawn. Mr. M. R. Ali the then Chairman, Shippers’ Council, was made leader to the aforesaid delegation. The delegation held fruitful discussion with CFTC and ANERA Members at Singapore and ultimately succeeded in withdrawing the surcharge. Thus the export trade was saved from payment of Millions or Dollars extra.

7. A five member Shippers’ Council Delegation appraised the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Shipping Minister of Shippers’ problems as follows in June and August 1996 and Government took action to improve the situation :

(1) The Shipping and Port Problems faced by the Exporters and Importers, which include
(2) insufficient container terminals and container handling equipment
(3) inadequate container yard space at Chittagong Port and Kamalapur ICD,
(4) Cargo storage and Security problems of Benapole Land Port
(5) Shipping space and draught problems of Mongla Port.

8. During acute container shortage at ChittagongPort from July 1998 – Shippers’ Council ascertained the reason for such shortage holding a meeting with some Shipping Line representatives and urged Government to withdraw Penal Rent imposed by the CPA for retention of import containers for more than 10 days. Government acted accordingly and also introduced incentive for carrying 100 and above empty containers. Thus the problem of container shortage was overcome.

9. During complete disruption of road communication to and from Chittagong Port due to devastating flood last year and stuck up of all exportable commodities at producers go down, this council urged Government to introduce two express goods trains daily form Dhaka to Chittagong and Government acted accordingly. thus the problem was solved.

10. As a member of “National Shipping Policy” drafting committee this council recommended for incentives for growth of individual private Ship owning industry by giving long term loan at a nominal interest for acquiring sea going vessels and for allowing tax holiday to the Ship owning entrepreneurs.