Chattogram Port Handles Record Cargo Volume Amid Global Shipping Challenges
Chattogram Port, Bangladesh's largest seaport, has reported handling a record 3.2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers in the first ten months of 2023, marking a 12% increase compared to the same period last year. The achievement comes as global shipping faces continued disruptions in key maritime
Chattogram Port, Bangladesh's largest seaport, has reported handling a record 3.2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers in the first ten months of 2023, marking a 12% increase compared to the same period last year. The achievement comes as global shipping faces continued disruptions in key maritime routes, including the Red Sea crisis and Panama Canal restrictions due to drought conditions.
Port officials attribute the growth to enhanced operational efficiency and strategic infrastructure developments. The recent addition of two new gantry cranes and the implementation of a digital port management system have significantly reduced vessel turnaround times. The average container handling time has decreased from 72 hours to approximately 45 hours over the past year.
'The increased efficiency at Chattogram Port is crucial for maintaining Bangladesh's export competitiveness,' said Rear Admiral M. Sohail, Chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority. 'We are seeing more vessels choosing Chattogram as their preferred port of call in the Bay of Bengal region, which is a testament to our improved services.'
Local business leaders have welcomed the development but emphasize the need for continued infrastructure investment. 'While we're pleased with the port's performance, ongoing projects like the Matarbari Deep Sea Port and the Bay Terminal must be completed on schedule to sustain this growth,' said Mahbubul Alam, President of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The port's success has had a positive ripple effect on the regional economy, creating approximately 15,000 new jobs in logistics, transportation, and related sectors. However, challenges remain, including traffic congestion on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway, which continues to affect the timely movement of goods to and from the port.
Environmental concerns have also emerged, with local environmental groups calling for stricter pollution controls as port activities intensify. The Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association has urged authorities to implement comprehensive environmental management plans to protect the Karnaphuli River and surrounding ecosystems.
Looking ahead, the Chattogram Port Authority has announced plans to develop a dedicated container terminal with a capacity of 2.5 million TEUs annually, scheduled for completion by 2026. The project is expected to further enhance the port's capacity and efficiency, positioning it as a key maritime hub in South Asia.
Meanwhile, the government is working to improve rail connectivity between Chattogram and key economic zones, with the Padma Bridge Rail Link project expected to significantly reduce transportation time to Dhaka and beyond. These developments come at a critical time as Bangladesh aims to boost its export earnings to $100 billion by 2030.