Chattogram Port Sees Record Container Throughput Amid Regional Trade Growth

Chattogram, Bangladesh's primary seaport, has achieved a historic milestone by handling over 3.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the first nine months of the current fiscal year, marking a 12% increase compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Chattogram Port Authority on Tuesday. This record throughput underscores the port's critical role in Bangladesh's export-oriented economy, which relies heavily on the ready-made garment sector, as well as its growing importance as a transshipment hub for landlocked neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan.

The surge in container traffic is attributed to a combination of factors, including increased global demand for Bangladeshi textiles, improved port efficiency through infrastructure upgrades, and the expansion of regional trade under the South Asian Free Trade Area framework. Port officials noted that the installation of new gantry cranes and the digitization of cargo tracking systems have reduced average vessel turnaround time from 72 hours to 48 hours since last year, enhancing the port's competitiveness against rivals like Colombo and Singapore.

However, the record volume has also strained existing facilities, leading to occasional congestion at the port's container yards. The Chattogram Port Authority has announced plans to invest $1.2 billion over the next five years to expand capacity, including the construction of a new deep-water terminal at Bay Terminal, which is expected to add 2 million TEUs of annual capacity by 2028. Additionally, a public-private partnership project to develop a dedicated logistics hub near the port is underway, aiming to streamline cargo movement and reduce logistical bottlenecks.

From an international perspective, the port's growth reflects broader trends in global supply chains, as manufacturers diversify sourcing away from China to Southeast Asia and South Asia. Bangladesh's strategic location on the Bay of Bengal and its competitive labor costs have made it an attractive alternative for companies seeking to mitigate risks from geopolitical tensions and trade disputes. Analysts at the Asian Development Bank have noted that Chattogram's expansion could help integrate South Asian economies more deeply into global value chains, particularly in sectors like electronics and pharmaceuticals.

Despite the positive trajectory, challenges remain. Environmental concerns have been raised about the port's expansion, with local activists highlighting potential damage to nearby mangrove forests and fisheries. The port authority has pledged to conduct environmental impact assessments and adopt green technologies, such as solar-powered lighting and electric cargo handling equipment, to minimize ecological harm. Furthermore, labor unions have called for better working conditions and wages for dockworkers, who have seen a rise in workload without proportional compensation.

In a statement, the Chattogram Port Authority chairman, Rear Admiral M. Shahjahan, emphasized the port's commitment to sustainable growth. "This record throughput is a testament to the hard work of our employees and the trust of our international partners. We are determined to modernize our operations while protecting the environment and ensuring fair treatment for our workforce," he said.

As Bangladesh aims to achieve middle-income country status by 2031, the performance of Chattogram Port will remain a key indicator of its economic health. The port's ability to maintain its growth momentum while addressing infrastructure, environmental, and social challenges will be crucial for sustaining the country's export-led development strategy. With continued investment and policy support, Chattogram is poised to strengthen its position as a vital maritime gateway in South Asia.