Chattogram Port Expansion Nears Completion of Key Phase Boosting Regional Trade

Chattogram, Bangladesh – The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) has announced significant progress in the construction of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NMCT), a crucial component of the port’s ongoing expansion project. Officials estimate the first phase of the NMCT will be operational by December 2024, promising a substantial increase in the port’s capacity and efficiency.

Located along the banks of the Karnaphuli River, Chattogram Port serves as Bangladesh’s primary maritime gateway, handling over 90% of the country’s seaborne trade. However, increasing trade volume and a growing economy have placed considerable strain on the existing infrastructure, leading to congestion and delays. The NMCT project is designed to alleviate these issues and position Chattogram as a leading regional transshipment hub.

The new terminal, built at a cost of approximately $247 million, will add three new berths capable of accommodating vessels with capacities exceeding 8,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). This will increase the port’s total handling capacity by an estimated 1.7 million TEUs annually. The project includes state-of-the-art container handling equipment, including quay cranes, rubber-tired gantry cranes, and advanced terminal operating systems.

“The NMCT is vital for Bangladesh’s continued economic growth,” stated Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa, Chairman of the CPA, during a recent press briefing. “It will not only reduce congestion but also attract larger vessels, lowering shipping costs and improving our competitiveness in the global market.” He further emphasized the project’s contribution to fulfilling Bangladesh’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2041.

The expansion is not limited to the NMCT. The CPA is concurrently working on several other infrastructure projects, including the construction of a new multi-purpose terminal, dredging of the port channel to increase draft depth, and the development of a dedicated terminal for coastal shipping. These initiatives aim to modernize the port and enhance its ability to handle a wider range of cargo.

Beyond the immediate economic benefits, the port expansion is expected to generate significant employment opportunities in Chattogram and surrounding areas. The CPA estimates that the NMCT alone will create several thousand direct and indirect jobs.

However, the project has not been without its challenges. Land acquisition proved to be a lengthy and complex process, and construction was temporarily hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions. Environmental concerns regarding dredging and potential impacts on the Karnaphuli River’s ecosystem also required careful mitigation measures. The CPA has implemented environmental monitoring programs and adopted sustainable construction practices to minimize negative effects.

Analysts predict that the expanded Chattogram Port will play a pivotal role in facilitating increased trade between Bangladesh and its key trading partners, including India, Southeast Asian nations, and Europe. The improved infrastructure will also support the growth of the country’s ready-made garment industry, a major contributor to Bangladesh’s export earnings. The port’s enhanced capacity is also anticipated to attract increased foreign investment and boost economic activity in the Chattogram region, solidifying its position as a major economic hub in Bangladesh.