Chattogram Port Faces Delays Amid Rising Cargo Volumes and Infrastructure Challe

Chattogram, Bangladesh — The Chattogram Port, the country’s largest and busiest maritime gateway, is experiencing increased operational delays as cargo volumes continue to rise, raising concerns among importers, exporters, and logistics providers. According to recent data from the Chattogram Port Authority, container throughput reached a record 2.8 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in the fiscal year 2023–2024, marking a 12% increase from the previous year.

While the surge reflects strong economic activity and growing regional trade, it has also exposed longstanding infrastructure limitations. Long queues of trucks at the port’s main gate, congestion in the container yard, and delays in customs clearance have become common, with some shipments waiting up to 72 hours beyond scheduled arrival times.

Local industry representatives attribute the bottlenecks to outdated equipment, insufficient storage space, and a lack of automation. 'The current system is struggling to keep pace with demand,' said Md. Aminul Islam, Secretary of the Bangladesh Exporters Association. 'We are losing competitiveness in the global market because of these delays, especially when compared to ports in India and Sri Lanka that have invested heavily in digital infrastructure.'

In response, the government has announced a phased modernization plan for the port, including the introduction of automated container handling systems and the expansion of the container terminal. A new $150 million terminal, expected to open in late 2025, will increase the port’s annual capacity by 500,000 TEUs. The project is being funded through a combination of public investment and a loan from the Asian Development Bank.

International observers note that Chattogram’s strategic location along the Bay of Bengal positions it as a key node in regional supply chains, particularly for landlocked countries like Nepal and Bhutan. However, delays at the port can ripple across South Asia, affecting the timely delivery of goods and increasing logistics costs.

The World Bank recently released a report highlighting that port inefficiencies cost Bangladesh an estimated 1.8% of its GDP annually. The report recommended faster adoption of digital customs platforms, improved coordination between government agencies, and private sector participation in infrastructure development.

Despite these challenges, officials from the Chattogram Port Authority maintain that progress is being made. 'We are implementing a digital tracking system for all incoming and outgoing containers,' said Director General Md. Mahbubul Alam. 'This will enhance transparency and reduce manual errors. Our goal is to reduce average clearance time from three days to under 48 hours by 2026.'

Meanwhile, local businesses are adapting. Some exporters are shifting to alternative routes, including rail transport through India, while others are stockpiling inventory to buffer against delays. The situation has also prompted calls for greater investment in inland container depots and improved road connectivity to reduce pressure on the port’s central hub.

As Bangladesh continues to expand its manufacturing and export sectors, the efficiency of Chattogram Port remains a critical factor in sustaining economic growth. With increasing regional integration and rising global trade volumes, the port’s ability to modernize and streamline operations will be closely watched by both domestic stakeholders and international partners.