Chattogram Port Sees Record Container Throughput Amid Global Trade Shifts

Chattogram, Bangladesh’s primary seaport, has achieved a historic milestone in container handling, processing over 3.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the fiscal year ending June 2024, according to the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA). This marks a 12% increase from the previous year, driven by a surge in exports of ready-made garments and imports of industrial raw materials. CPA Chairman Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail said the port’s efficiency improvements, including expanded yard capacity and round-the-clock operations, have enabled it to handle the rising volume without major delays.

The record throughput comes as global trade patterns shift, with many international retailers diversifying sourcing from China to Bangladesh due to competitive labor costs and improved factory compliance. The port, which handles nearly 90% of Bangladesh’s seaborne trade, has become a critical node in supply chains for brands like H&M, Walmart, and Zara. However, the growth has also strained infrastructure, leading to occasional congestion at the Chattogram Customs House and increased truck waiting times at the port gates.

Local business leaders have welcomed the development but urged faster implementation of the ongoing modernization projects. The CPA is currently investing $2.5 billion in dredging the Karnaphuli River to accommodate larger vessels, constructing a new container terminal at Patenga, and introducing a digital cargo tracking system. These initiatives aim to raise annual capacity to 5 million TEUs by 2030. “We are optimistic, but the government must ensure that road and rail links to the port keep pace,” said Abdul Hai Sarker, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

On the international front, the port’s performance is being closely watched by shipping lines and logistics firms. The record throughput has already attracted new direct services from major carriers like Maersk and MSC, reducing transit times to European and North American ports by up to three days. Analysts note that Chattogram’s growth reflects a broader trend of secondary ports in South and Southeast Asia gaining prominence as shippers seek alternatives to congested hubs like Singapore and Colombo.

Despite the progress, challenges remain. The port faces periodic disruptions from monsoon storms and political unrest, such as the recent labor strikes over wage disputes. Environmental groups have also raised concerns about air and water pollution from increased shipping activity. CPA officials say they are working with the Department of Environment to enforce stricter emission standards and have begun installing shore power systems for docked vessels.

For now, the port’s record performance is a bright spot for Bangladesh’s economy, which is targeting 8% export growth this fiscal year. With the government’s focus on improving logistics and the private sector’s push for diversification, Chattogram is poised to further cement its role as a key gateway for global trade in the region.