Chattogram port posted record-breaking performances across all major indicators in 2025 even though the year was marred by logistical disruptions, labour unrest and a changing political situation in the country.
Official data shows that container handling at the port increased by 4.07 per cent year-on-year to about 34.09 lakh twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2025.
Similarly, cargo movement saw robust growth of 11.43 per cent year-on-year to reach 13.82 crore tonnes over the same period.
Also, a total of 4,273 vessels called on the port, up 10.50 per cent year-on-year, with these figures representing its strongest annual performance in history.
Md Omar Faruk, secretary of the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA), said comprehensive automation and improved management played a crucial role in driving the port’s success.
“Most port activities are now automated,” he said. “Payment systems, collections and gate pass issuance have been digitalized, significantly increasing operational speed.”
Faruk added that proper planning, coordinated management and tireless efforts by port employees and stakeholders were key to achieving such improvements across all performance indicators.
One of the most notable developments was a drastic reduction in the ship waiting time.
Despite it being a challenging year, vessels experienced zero waiting time for nine days in September, 18 days in October, and an impressive 26 days consecutively in November and December.
At present, ships arriving at Chattogram port receive berths on arrival, a scenario that was once considered difficult to achieve.
Operational efficiency also improved markedly. From January to November, the average turnaround time stood at 2.53 days, while the container dwell time averaged 9.44 days.
These gains enabled importers to receive goods faster and exporters to ship consignments on schedule, effectively reducing the overall port lead time.
Stakeholders believe this efficiency will contribute to lower consumer prices and inject greater momentum into the export sector.
Significant progress was also recorded at container terminals operated by Chittagong Drydock Limited (CDDL).
During the first six months of fiscal year 2025-26, the terminals handled about 6.99 lakh TEUs, reflecting a 10.19 per cent increase over the same period of the previous year.
With an additional 64,620 TEUs handled, the highest monthly growth of 20.15 per cent came in October.
Chattogram port also delivered a strong performance from the financial perspective. Port revenue reached around Tk5,460 crore, up 7.55 per cent year-on-year.
As such, the revenue surplus rose 7.51 per cent to about Tk3,143 crore.
The port paid some Tk1,804 crore to the government that year, cementing its position as one of the country’s largest revenue-generating institutions.
Over the past five fiscal years, the CPA’s direct and indirect contributions to the national exchequer have amounted to about Tk12,350 crore.
Besides, extensive modernisation and digitalisation initiatives are transforming Chattogram port into a more transparent and efficient facility.
The introduction of online gate passes, automated bill generation and digital bill collection through the Terminal Operating System has significantly streamlined operations.
On 23 December, a record 6,761 e-gate passes were issued in a single day, highlighting the effectiveness of the digital system.
Officials say the shift to digital payments has reduced fraud, saved time and costs, and moved the port closer to becoming a fully paperless operation.
Security standards were also upgraded to meet international benchmarks. Recently, Chattogram port achieved a rare distinction of “zero observation” following an inspection by the US Coast Guard, notching a landmark achievement in the port’s history.
To accommodate rising trade volumes, 70,000 square metres of new yard space were added in 2025, alongside the procurement of modern container-handling equipment.
Meanwhile, several mega projects, including the Matarbari Deep Sea Port, Bay Terminal, and Laldia Container Terminal, are being implementation and are expected to position Chittagong port as a regional transshipment hub.
In a press release, the CPA said 2025 was not only a year of growth but also a year of transformation. Under the guidance of the chief adviser, leadership of the Shipping Adviser, and coordination of the Ministry of Shipping, the CPA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the smooth flow of Bangladesh’s foreign trade through maritime routes.
