Chattogram Port Sets New Record in Container Handling Amid Regional Trade Growth

Chattogram, Bangladesh – Chattogram Port, the country’s primary maritime gateway, has achieved a historic milestone by handling over 3.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers in the fiscal year 2023-2024, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. Officials attribute this surge to expanded trade with regional partners, including India, Nepal, and Bhutan, as well as improved infrastructure and operational efficiency at the port.

The record was announced on Monday by Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail, chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority, during a press briefing at the port’s administrative building. He highlighted that the port’s capacity has been bolstered by the recent commissioning of two new gantry cranes and the deepening of the Karnaphuli River channel, which now allows larger vessels to dock. “This achievement reflects the resilience of Bangladesh’s export-oriented economy and the port’s role as a vital hub for South Asian commerce,” Sohail said.

Trade analysts note that the growth is partly driven by increased garment exports, which account for over 80% of Bangladesh’s total export earnings, and a rise in imports of raw materials for the ready-made garment sector. Additionally, transshipment cargo from neighboring countries has grown by 18% year-on-year, as Chattogram serves as a key transit point for goods bound for northeastern India and landlocked nations like Nepal and Bhutan. The port now handles approximately 92% of Bangladesh’s international trade, underscoring its strategic importance.

However, the record comes amid challenges. Local businesses have raised concerns about congestion at port gates and delays in customs clearance, which sometimes extend to several days. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) reported that average dwell time for containers at the port remains at 7 days, compared to the global benchmark of 3-4 days. In response, the port authority has introduced a digital tracking system for cargo and plans to implement a 24/7 customs operation by early 2025 to streamline processes.

International shipping companies have also expressed caution. Maersk Line, a major carrier using Chattogram, noted in a recent statement that while the port’s volume growth is positive, infrastructure bottlenecks could limit future expansion. “We are working with local authorities to invest in additional yard space and rail connectivity,” said a company spokesperson. The port currently relies heavily on truck transport, with only 15% of cargo moved by rail, a figure the government aims to double within three years.

On the environmental front, the port has faced criticism for air and water pollution from vessel emissions and industrial runoff. The Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) filed a petition with the High Court last month, demanding stricter enforcement of emission standards. The port authority has pledged to install shore power systems for docked ships and plant 10,000 trees along the Karnaphuli riverbank by December 2024.

Looking ahead, the Chattogram Port Authority plans to expand the Patenga Container Terminal and develop a new deep-sea port at Matarbari, which is expected to be operational by 2027. These projects, funded partly by the Asian Development Bank, aim to increase annual capacity to 5 million TEUs. For now, the record container handling underscores Chattogram’s growing role in regional trade, though experts warn that sustained investment in logistics and environmental safeguards will be critical to maintaining momentum.