Operations at Chattogram Port, Bangladesh’s main maritime gateway, slowed sharply during the Eid-ul-Adha holiday, causing a steep decline in container deliveries, growing congestion in port yards, and an increase in vessels waiting at the outer anchorage. Data from 25 May to 30 May shows that although essential port activities continued, shortages of transport and manpower led to a dramatic drop in imported cargo movement, raising concerns over trade and logistics costs if normal operations are not restored quickly.
Container deliveries almost halted. Normally, Chattogram Port releases 3,500 to 4,500 TEUs daily. On 25 May, deliveries reached 4,317 TEUs, but by 29 May, no containers were released. Partial resumption on 30 May saw 950 TEUs delivered, a 78 per cent decline from pre-holiday levels. Deliveries stood at 1,326 TEUs on 27 May and 608 TEUs on 28 May.
Container handling also fell sharply. The port typically processes 8,000 to 10,000 TEUs per day. On 25 May, 8,848 TEUs were handled, but by 29 May, activity plunged to 200 TEUs, a 98 per cent drop. Handling improved to 6,683 TEUs on 30 May but remained 24 per cent below pre-holiday levels.
As delivery slowed, yard congestion intensified. Chattogram Port has a 59,000 TEU storage capacity, maintaining at least 20 per cent vacant space. Container volume rose from 35,722 TEUs on 25 May to 39,718 TEUs on 29 May and 40,684 TEUs by 30 May, adding 4,962 TEUs between 26 May and 30 May.
Vessel delays grew. No container ships waited at the outer anchorage on 28 May; by 30 May, six were waiting. Overall ship presence increased from 79 vessels on 25 May to 84 on 30 May. Shipping sources said each day of delay can cost lines about US$15,000, costs ultimately reflected in imported goods prices.
Md Ali Akbar, Senior Vice-Chairman of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents’ Association (BSAA), said Eid slowdowns are recurring. “Port operations generally remain limited for around 16 hours during Eid. The main challenge is the shortage of transport and manpower. Truck movement is largely suspended, while drivers and workers are on leave. Delivery of goods and containers slows considerably. The impact usually persists for about a week,” he said.
He added optimism that normal operations would resume as transport services return and businesses reopen. Chattogram Port Authority officials expect container deliveries and cargo movement to regain momentum after government and private offices reopen, with congestion at the yard and outer anchorage easing within the coming week.
