Chittagong Port is poised to set new records in container and cargo handling this year, despite facing significant challenges in both domestic and international trade. The port has already reached a notable milestone, entering the “Three Million Club” by processing over three million containers in just the first few days of December.
According to data from the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA), as of December 18, the port managed 3,163,699 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers and 119,292,989 tonnes of cargo since the beginning of the year. This marks an increase from the 2,992,532 containers and 112,793,337 tonnes of cargo handled in the eleven months leading up to November 30.
In December alone, the port handled 171,167 TEUs and 6,499,652 tonnes of cargo within the first 18 days, averaging approximately 9,509 containers and 361,091 tonnes of cargo per day. If this trend continues, officials anticipate that December’s totals will reach approximately 294,779 TEUs and 11,193,821 tonnes of cargo, bringing the yearly totals to 3,287,311 TEUs and 123,987,158 tonnes—both record highs for the facility.
The port has also seen an influx of vessels, with 3,738 ships arriving by December 18. This is a notable increase compared to previous years, with 4,103, 4,361, 4,209, 3,728, and 3,807 vessels recorded in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
Significantly, Chattogram Port has managed to overcome unprecedented backlogs caused by curfews, internet shutdowns, public holidays, and flooding in July and August. The number of containers stored in port yards has decreased from 45,500 TEUs—representing about 85 per cent of its storage capacity—to 32,480 TEUs in November. Additionally, the waiting time for vessels at the outer anchorage has been reduced from 6-7 days to just 1-2 days, with some ships able to berth immediately.
The CPA reported earnings of approximately Taka 1,992 crore from July to November this year, with total earnings of Taka 3,631.83 crore, Taka 4,072.55 crore, Taka 4,438.93 crore, and Taka 4,773.73 crore recorded in fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively.
CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman highlighted that ongoing global economic instability, high inflation, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the crisis in the Middle East have impacted Bangladesh’s economy. Nonetheless, he commended the CPA’s ability to maintain steady cargo and container handling through their expertise and experience.
CPA Secretary Md Omar Faruk noted the significant role of stakeholders in supporting the port’s operations throughout the year. He expressed optimism that ongoing projects would further enhance the port’s capacity in the future.
Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association President Syed Mohammad Arif remarked that the increase in handling volumes reflects a surge in the country’s foreign trade, emphasising that this positive trend will enhance the port’s global image and reduce transportation costs for goods.
