Chattogram (Bangladesh) — Bangladesh’s Chattogram Port recorded robust growth in container, cargo and vessel handling in the current calendar year and fiscal period, the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) said. Official data covering the first 10 months show the port handled 2,849,542 TEUs, 115,067,200 metric tonnes of cargo and 3,552 vessels — marking notable year-on-year gains and faster turnaround for ships.

The CPA reported a 4.87% YoY rise in container throughput, 12.64% YoY growth in cargo handling and a 10.97% increase in vessel calls across the ten-month span. The improvement is even stronger when looking at the first four months of the fiscal year (July–October): 1,213,805 TEUs, 45,282,907 tonnes, and 1,422 vessels, representing 10.15%, 15.76% and 11% YoY increases respectively.

Performance gains were also visible at private and newer terminals. The New Mooring Container Terminal (operated by Chittagong Dry Dock Limited) reported 468,871 TEUs and 253 vessel calls in the first four months of FY 2025–26 — up 15.5% in container throughput and 19.35% in vessel handling YoY.

A critical operational improvement has been vessel waiting time. Ships recorded zero waiting time on several days over recent months: 9 days in September, 18 days in October and 19 days in November. Faster berthing and reduced lead time are already easing congestion and are expected to lower logistics costs and support export competitiveness.

Why this matters

• Higher throughput and reduced waiting time lower import/export lead times and shipping costs, which directly helps exporters, importers and supply chains.

• Better terminal performance and higher vessel calls attract more shipping lines and can stimulate related industries (warehousing, trucking, freight forwarding).

• Improvements at terminals like New Mooring demonstrate the impact of capacity expansion and private-sector efficiency on national logistics.

What to watch next

• Whether the improved trend continues for the remainder of the fiscal year and how seasonal demand (e.g., winter orders, global economic shifts) affects volumes.

• Further investments in hinterland connectivity (roads, rail) and terminal automation that can lock in efficiency gains.

• Price and lead-time effects on key Bangladeshi export sectors (RMG, textiles, agriculture).

Conclusion

Chattogram Port’s recent performance — with rising TEU throughput, cargo tonnage and vessel calls alongside sharply reduced waiting time — marks a positive development for Bangladesh’s trade logistics. If the improvements in terminal efficiency and berth availability are sustained and matched by better hinterland links, the port’s progress can translate into lower costs for businesses and stronger export competitiveness for Bangladesh in global markets.