Chattogram Port Reports Record Container Handling Amid Regional Trade Growth
Chattogram, Bangladesh – The Chattogram Port Authority has announced a record-breaking performance in container handling for the fiscal year 2023-2024, marking a significant milestone for Bangladesh’s primary maritime gateway. According to official data released on Tuesday, the port processed over 3.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) during the period, a 12% increase from the previous year. This surge underscores Chattogram’s growing role as a regional hub for trade and logistics, particularly in South Asia.
The record comes as Bangladesh continues to expand its export-oriented economy, with garments, textiles, and leather goods accounting for the majority of shipments. Port officials attribute the growth to infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of new gantry cranes and the deepening of the Karnaphuli River channel, which now allows larger vessels to dock. “This achievement reflects our commitment to efficiency and capacity expansion,” said Rear Admiral M. Sakhawat Hossain, chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority, in a press briefing. “We are also working on digitalizing customs processes to reduce turnaround times.”
The port’s performance is closely watched by international shipping lines and traders, as it handles roughly 90% of Bangladesh’s total seaborne cargo. Analysts say the increase in container volume signals sustained demand for Bangladeshi products despite global economic uncertainties. However, challenges remain, including congestion during peak seasons and the need for further dredging to accommodate post-Panamax ships. The government has pledged $1.5 billion for a new deep-sea port at Matarbari, currently under construction, which is expected to relieve pressure on Chattogram by 2027.
Beyond trade, the port’s growth has local implications. Chattogram, the country’s second-largest city and commercial capital, has seen a surge in logistics-related employment, with thousands of jobs created in warehousing, trucking, and customs brokerage. Local businesses report increased demand for services, from fuel supply to catering for dock workers. “The port is the heartbeat of our economy,” said Kamal Hossain, a Chattogram-based freight forwarder. “Every container handled here supports families across the city.”
On the international front, Chattogram’s performance aligns with broader trends in South Asian shipping. Ports in Colombo, Colombo, and Singapore have also reported growth, driven by rerouting of cargo away from Red Sea disruptions. Shipping industry experts note that Chattogram’s strategic location near the Bay of Bengal makes it a key node in regional supply chains, especially for goods destined for Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The port has also benefited from increased trade with China, which remains Bangladesh’s largest import partner.
Environmental groups have raised concerns about the port’s expansion, citing air and water pollution from increased shipping traffic. The port authority says it is investing in eco-friendly measures, including shore-to-ship power systems and waste management facilities, to mitigate impact. “We are balancing growth with sustainability,” a spokesperson said.
Looking ahead, the Chattogram Port Authority aims to handle 4 million TEUs annually by 2026, contingent on completion of the Matarbari deep-sea project and further automation. For now, the record container numbers offer a bright spot for Bangladesh’s economy, which has faced headwinds from inflation and energy shortages. As global trade patterns evolve, Chattogram’s ability to adapt will be crucial for maintaining its competitive edge.