Chattogram Port, the country’s primary seaport, recorded a significant 16.26 per cent growth in container handling in August compared to the same month last year.
According to official data, the port handled 292,250 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in August 2025, up from 244,734 TEUs in August 2024, showing an increase of 47,516 TEUs year-on-year. Of the total containers handled, 86,486 TEUs were export goods, reflecting a 9.64 percent increase from the previous year’s 78,146 TEUs. On the import side, 138,732 TEUs were handled, marking a 17.31 percent rise from 114,708 TEUs in August 2024.
The port also processed a large volume of empty containers in August 2025, handling 67,050 TEUs compared to 51,880 TEUs in the same period last year. In July 2025, the port handled 257,469 TEUs, including 86,124 TEUs of export containers, 123,902 TEUs of imports, and 47,443 TEUs of empty containers, according to port statistics.
Speaking to TIMES of Bangladesh, Chattogram Port Authority Secretary Md Omar Faruk said, “The port authority has implemented several measures to improve efficiency in container handling and related services. With the rise in imports and exports, container handling at the port has also seen an increase in August.”
At present, Chattogram Port operates through three terminals managed by different operators: the New Mooring Container Terminal operated by Chittagong Dry Dock Limited, Chittagong Container Terminal managed by Saif Powertech Ltd, and Patenga Container Terminal operated by Saudi-based Red Sea Gateway Terminal. Additionally, the General Cargo Berth has 12 jetties, with six used for container handling.
New Mooring Container Terminal achieves record 27.6 percent growth
In a separate development, the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) achieved the highest-ever yard-based container handling record in August.
Figures reveal that Chittagong Dry Dock Limited handled 122,517 TEUs at NCT in August, a sharp 27.6 percent growth from 96,000 TEUs in the same month last year. This milestone was announced at a press conference organized by Chittagong Dry Dock Limited at the port yard on Wednesday, September 3.
The session featured the Chief Operating Officer of New Mooring Container Terminal, Captain Md Zahid Hossain, who attributed the surge in container handling to the Bangladesh Navy’s management of berths 2, 3, 4, and 5 since July 7. “We are now handling an average of 3,600 TEUs per day, compared to 2,500 TEUs earlier. The average daily increase stands at 1,135 TEUs,” Hossain said.
He also highlighted improvements such as a reduction in ship turnaround time from 61 hours to 57 hours and the elimination of waiting time at the outer anchorage.
In August, Chittagong Dry Dock Limited achieved two consecutive milestones in container handling. On August 28, 2025, they set a new record by handling 5,019 TEUs in a single day. Just three days later, on August 31, the company surpassed this record by handling 5,061 TEUs in one day, marking another historic achievement for the port.
Hossain also noted several operational improvements, including increased crane productivity, reduced container dwell time, expanded yard capacity, and the introduction of quick coordination measures. To optimize equipment usage and yard management, separate blocks for export and empty containers have been introduced.
