Defying labour unrest, customs disruptions, tariff-related disputes, and political uncertainty, Chattogram port has turned 2025 into a landmark year of operational success.
Record-breaking container handling, faster ship turnaround, zero waiting time at outer anchorages, and sweeping automation of port services have collectively propelled Bangladesh’s principal seaport to a new level of efficiency and global competitiveness.
Handling nearly the entire maritime trade of the country, Chattogram port remains the backbone of Bangladesh’s external commerce. About 92 per cent of the import–export trade and 98 per cent of containerised cargo move through the port, underscoring its critical role in the national economy.
According to data of the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA), the port handled 3,345,499 TEUs between January 1 and December 25. With an average daily handling capacity of around 8,000 containers, the port is expected to process an additional 48,000 TEUs by December 31.
Officials estimate that total container handling may reach 4.4 million TEUs by year-end, which is an all-time high in the port’s history.
This performance surpasses previous records. In 2024, the port handled 3,275,627 TEUs and 123.99 million tonnes of cargo, with 3,867 ships calling at the port.
Earlier figures show steady growth: 3,050,793 TEUs in 2023, 3,142,504 TEUs in 2022, 3,214,548 TEUs in 2021, and 2,839,977 TEUs in 2020.
The highest number of ship arrivals – 4,361 vessels – was recorded in 2022.
On a fiscal year basis, Chattogram port handled 3,296,067 TEUs in FY25. During this period, cargo handling reached 130.72 million tonnes, while 4,077 ships were serviced.
CPA Secretary Md Omar Faruk told Times of Bangladesh that the port’s overall operations have now come under comprehensive automation.
“Automation of payments, collections, and gate passes has significantly increased operational speed,” he said, adding that structured planning and effective management were key drivers behind the success.
“All levels of port officials, employees, and stakeholders worked tirelessly. The results are visible across all performance indicators – container handling, ship waiting time, and turnaround time,” he said.
Faruk also credited the strategic guidance of Brigadier General (retd) M Shakhawat Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Shipping, and Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, chairman of the CPA, for steering the port toward this milestone achievement.
According to international shipping journal Lloyd’s List, Chattogram port currently ranks 68th among the world’s 100 busiest ports, based on container throughput.
With the continued rise in handling volume, port authorities expect further improvement in the global ranking.
To support growing demand, the CPA has increased the yard capacity from 53,000 TEUs to 59,000 TEUs. Yard management has also been reorganised in close coordination with customs authorities to improve cargo flow and reduce congestion.
One of the most notable achievements in 2025 was the elimination of ship queues at the outer anchorage. Previously, 15 to 20 vessels often waited four to five days for berthing. Now, most vessels are receiving on-arrival berthing.
Loading and unloading time at jetties has also improved significantly, dropping from more than three days to less than two days, enhancing vessel turnaround and reducing shipping costs.
The year also saw intense discussions over foreign operator engagement. Chattogram port signed agreements with Maersk Line’s APM Terminals to build and operate a new container terminal at Laldia Char, Patenga, with an investment of $550 million.
On the same day, the port signed a separate deal with MSC’s Medlog to operate the Pangaon Terminal, involving an investment of $40 million.
However, the highly anticipated agreement with DP World for operating the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) could not be finalised due to a writ petition pending before the High Court.
The outcome of the case, expected in January, will determine whether DP World can assume operational responsibility of the NCT.
Beyond Chattogram port, progress continued on strategic infrastructure projects.
The Matarbari Deep Sea Port, being implemented by Japan’s Penta Ocean Construction and Towa Corporation with support from JICA, is estimated to cost Tk24,000 crore, with Tk6,200 crore already under implementation in the first phase.
Significant advancement has also been made in the Bay Terminal Project, including navigation channel and breakwater construction. The CPA expects tenders for the next phase to be floated in the first quarter of the coming year.
Despite the achievements, 2025 was far from smooth. Customs officials’ pen down strike, transport workers’ strikes, tariff hike controversies, and political instability repeatedly disrupted port operations.
Stakeholders believe that without these challenges, container handling could have reached 4.5 million TEUs.
CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman said in a recent interview that digitisation was the cornerstone of the port’s transformation.
“If the country is to develop, the port must move forward,” he told Times of Bangladesh.
“Earlier, generating a bill required visits to 17 desks. Now payments are completed online within minutes.”
He added that long queues at port entry points have disappeared due to digital fee payments.
“Port services are becoming 100 per cent online. From February, everything will be paperless, with one-stop services and minimal physical movement.”
Industry leaders welcomed the achievement. Shafiqul Alam Jewel, managing director of AMMS Group, said the record container handling was a remarkable milestone.
However, he stressed the need for regular and sustained dredging to resolve navigational constraints and accommodate larger vessels.
