Chattogram Port Sets New Cargo Handling Record Amid Economic Growth Push
Chattogram Port, Bangladesh's largest seaport, handled a record 2.8 million metric tons of cargo in June 2024, including 150,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers, marking a 15% year-on-year increase. The milestone highlights the port's pivotal role in supporting the nation's economic growth, with autho
Chattogram Port, Bangladesh's largest seaport, handled a record 2.8 million metric tons of cargo in June 2024, including 150,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers, marking a 15% year-on-year increase. The milestone highlights the port's pivotal role in supporting the nation's economic growth, with authorities attributing the surge to infrastructure upgrades and digital transformation initiatives.
Recent investments in modern cranes, expanded berths, and the implementation of a unified digital customs platform have significantly improved efficiency. Vessel turnaround times have decreased by nearly 20%, according to port officials. 'This achievement reflects our strategic focus on operational efficiency and collaboration with stakeholders to meet rising demand,' said Captain Mokhlesur Rahman, Chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority. 'Our goal is to position Chattogram as a regional logistics hub.'
The port's performance has directly benefited Bangladesh's export sectors, particularly ready-made garments (RMG), which account for over 80% of the country's total exports. Data from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) shows a 12% year-on-year growth in RMG exports during the first half of 2024, with Chattogram handling the majority of these shipments. Improved port operations have reduced delays, helping exporters meet international deadlines amid global supply chain challenges.
Under the National Development Plan, the government has allocated $500 million for port modernization, including the construction of a new deep-water terminal and an adjacent industrial zone. These projects aim to increase annual cargo capacity to 50 million tons by 2026. Additionally, the port has introduced solar-powered equipment and stricter emissions controls to align with environmental sustainability goals, though some local groups have raised concerns about dredging impacts on marine ecosystems.
Beyond domestic trade, Chattogram serves as a critical transit point for landlocked Nepal and Bhutan, with approximately 15% of its cargo destined for these countries. Nepal's Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies recently praised the port's improved transit efficiency, citing smoother customs coordination that has reduced transit times by up to 30%.
Looking ahead, the port authority has set a target of handling 3.2 million tons by December 2024, driven by rising demand for agricultural exports like jute and tea. Experts emphasize that continued modernization will be crucial for Bangladesh's ambition to achieve middle-income status by 2031, particularly as global trade dynamics evolve.