Chattogram Port Sees Record Container Throughput in First Quarter of 2025

Chattogram, Bangladesh – The Chattogram Port Authority has announced a record-breaking container throughput for the first quarter of 2025, handling over 800,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) between January and March. This marks a 12% increase compared to the same period last year, driven by a surge in export-oriented manufacturing and improved port efficiency.

The port, which handles approximately 90% of Bangladesh’s international trade, has been undergoing significant modernization efforts. New equipment, including additional gantry cranes and automated stacking systems, has reduced vessel turnaround times by an average of 15%. Port officials attribute the growth to increased demand for ready-made garments, the country’s primary export, as well as a rise in raw material imports for the textile and pharmaceutical sectors.

“This milestone reflects the resilience of Bangladesh’s export sector and the effectiveness of our infrastructure upgrades,” said Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail, Chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority. “We are committed to maintaining this momentum to support the national economy.”

The record comes amid ongoing challenges, including global supply chain disruptions and rising fuel costs. However, local shipping agents report that the port has managed to minimize delays through better coordination with customs and inland transportation networks. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) welcomed the news, noting that smoother port operations help meet tight international delivery deadlines.

Industry analysts point out that Chattogram’s growth is also tied to regional dynamics. As competing ports in South Asia face congestion, some transshipment cargo has shifted to Chattogram, boosting its regional significance. The port is currently handling an increased volume of goods destined for neighboring countries, including Nepal and Bhutan, via inland waterways and road corridors.

Environmental concerns remain, however. Local environmental groups have called for stricter pollution controls as ship traffic and industrial activity near the port increase. The port authority says it is investing in green technologies, such as shore-to-ship power supply and waste management systems, to reduce its ecological footprint.

Looking ahead, the government has approved a $1.5 billion expansion plan for Chattogram Port, which includes a new deep-sea terminal and improved rail links. The project, expected to be completed by 2030, aims to double the port’s annual capacity to 4 million TEUs. Officials say this will position Chattogram as a major hub in the Bay of Bengal, competing with ports like Colombo and Singapore.

For now, the record throughput offers a positive signal for Bangladesh’s economy, which is projected to grow by 6.5% in the current fiscal year. Exporters hope that sustained port performance will help the country achieve its target of $60 billion in annual exports by 2026.