Chattogram Port Handles Record Cargo Volume Amid Infrastructure Push

The Chattogram Port, the primary maritime gateway for Bangladesh’s trade, has reported a significant surge in cargo handling volume, marking a historic milestone in the country's logistics sector. According to data released by the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) this week, the port handled over 3.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers in the last fiscal year, representing a year-on-year growth of approximately 12 percent. This achievement underscores the port’s critical role in sustaining the nation’s economic momentum despite global headwinds affecting supply chains worldwide.

Officials attribute this growth to a combination of improved operational efficiency and a strategic push to modernize the port's infrastructure. Over the past year, the CPA has implemented several digitization initiatives aimed at reducing vessel turnaround times and minimizing congestion at the yards. The introduction of a newly integrated terminal operating system has streamlined the booking and delivery of containers, allowing for faster movement of goods from the quay to inland destinations. These technological upgrades have been complemented by the procurement of additional gantry cranes and handling equipment, which have significantly boosted the port’s hourly lifting capacity.

Beyond the immediate statistics, the performance of the Chattogram Port is seen as a bellwether for the broader Bangladeshi economy. As the country moves toward developing status, the demand for raw materials such as cotton, machinery, and construction materials has skyrocketed. Simultaneously, the export-oriented ready-made garment (RMG) sector continues to rely heavily on the port for shipping finished goods to European and North American markets. The record throughput figures suggest that both domestic consumption and export production remain robust, defying earlier predictions of a slowdown due to inflationary pressures in Western markets.

However, challenges persist as the port strives to maintain this upward trajectory. Logistics experts point out that while port operations have improved, the connectivity between the port and the rest of the country requires urgent attention. The road network leading to Chattogram often faces severe traffic congestion, which can delay the transportation of goods to Dhaka and other northern districts. In response, the government has accelerated the construction of the Dhaka-Chattogram elevated expressway, a mega-project expected to revolutionize the logistics corridor once completed. Additionally, the development of the Bay Terminal, a deep-sea port facility capable of handling mother vessels, remains a top priority for the CPA to reduce dependency on transshipment ports in Singapore and Colombo.

Environmental concerns have also taken center stage in recent discussions regarding the port's expansion. Local environmental groups have urged the authority to adhere strictly to sustainability protocols during dredging and land reclamation activities for the new terminal. The CPA has responded by committing to eco-friendly dredging practices and initiating a plantation drive along the coastal belt to mitigate the impact of industrial activities on local biodiversity. Balancing rapid economic expansion with environmental stewardship is increasingly viewed as essential for the long-term viability of the port operations.

Looking ahead, the Chattogram Port Authority has set an ambitious target of handling 4 million TEUs within the next two years. To achieve this, plans are underway to deepen the channel of the Karnaphuli River, allowing larger vessels with deeper drafts to dock. This would reduce the need for lightering, a process where cargo is transferred to smaller ships, thereby cutting costs and shipping time for importers and exporters. With these comprehensive measures in place, Chattogram is poised to reinforce its position as a key maritime hub in South Asia, facilitating Bangladesh’s integration into the global supply chain.