Chattogram Port Faces New Congestion Amid Global Shipping Disruptions

Chattogram, Bangladesh’s primary seaport, is experiencing renewed congestion as global shipping disruptions ripple through supply chains, causing delays for importers and exporters across the country. Port authorities report that vessel turnaround times have increased by an average of 48 hours over the past month, with container dwell times rising to nearly 10 days for some cargo.

The congestion stems from a combination of factors, including a surge in import volumes ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday season, adverse weather conditions in the Bay of Bengal, and ongoing logistical bottlenecks at the port’s container yard. According to the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA), the yard’s capacity utilization has exceeded 90 percent, leaving limited space for new arrivals. CPA Secretary Md. Omar Faruk stated in a press briefing that the authority is working to expedite clearance processes and has temporarily increased the use of off-dock facilities to ease pressure.

Local businesses have voiced concerns over rising costs and delayed shipments. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) noted that the congestion is affecting the country’s vital ready-made garment sector, which relies heavily on Chattogram for raw material imports and finished goods exports. “Every day of delay adds to our costs and risks missing delivery deadlines for international buyers,” said BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim. He urged the government to prioritize infrastructure upgrades and digitalization of customs procedures.

International context exacerbates the situation. Analysts point to the Red Sea crisis, where Houthi attacks on commercial vessels have forced many shipping lines to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, extending transit times and disrupting schedules. This has led to a shortage of empty containers in South Asian ports, including Chattogram, as lines prioritize faster turnaround at larger hubs like Colombo and Singapore. The global container shortage has pushed freight rates higher, with the cost of shipping a 20-foot container from Chattogram to Europe rising by nearly 30 percent in the last quarter.

In response, the CPA has implemented several short-term measures, including round-the-clock operations at key terminals and prioritizing perishable and emergency goods. It has also requested that shipping lines reduce vessel call sizes and improve coordination with local agents. However, industry insiders argue that long-term solutions are needed. “Chattogram’s infrastructure has not kept pace with trade growth,” said Dr. A.K.M. Saiful Islam, a logistics expert at the University of Chittagong. “Expanding the container yard, deepening the channel for larger vessels, and adopting a single-window digital system are essential to prevent recurring crises.”

Meanwhile, some importers are exploring alternative routes, such as using Mongla port in Khulna, though its capacity remains limited. The government has announced plans to develop Payra port in Patuakhali as a secondary hub, but progress has been slow. For now, Chattogram remains the lifeline of Bangladesh’s economy, handling over 90 percent of the country’s international trade. The current congestion underscores the vulnerability of this dependence, particularly amid global uncertainties.

As the Eid season approaches, port workers are under pressure to clear backlogs. The CPA expects normal operations to resume within two to three weeks, barring further disruptions. However, with global shipping volatility likely to persist, Chattogram’s stakeholders are calling for strategic investments to build resilience against future shocks.