Despite the extended Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) maintained uninterrupted operations, achieving record cargo handling through careful planning and coordinated efforts.
Between 17 and 23 March, the port handled a total of 2.508 million metric tons of cargo including 2.361 million tons of imports and 146,828 tons of exports. The busiest single day was 18 March, when 434,434 tons were processed.
Container traffic also remained strong, with 54,898 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit) handled over the week – 28,961 import TEUs and 25,937 export TEUs. Peak container handling occurred on 18 March, with 11,861 TEUs processed in a single day.
A total of 64 vessels berthed during the period, with the highest number – 14 ships – on 19 March. Following a slight slowdown on Eid day (21 March), operations quickly resumed, reaching full pace by 23 March with 12 vessels handled.
Port yard occupancy remained manageable. Against a capacity of 59,000 TEUs, the yard held 43,200 TEUs as of 24 March, including 36,253 full containers, 2,654 depot containers, and 1,652 empties. Additionally, 512 TEUs destined for ICD Kamalapur were stationed at the port. In the last 24 hours, 1,581 TEUs were delivered and 525 TEUs were ready for dispatch.
CPA Secretary and spokesperson Syed Refayet Hamim credited the success to proactive measures ahead of Eid, including a dedicated task force to ensure steady supply of fuel and essential commodities, close monitoring of unloading operations, and round-the-clock oversight by senior officials.
Priority berthing and navigational support were extended to vessels carrying fuel and essential goods, ensuring uninterrupted arrival, unloading, and departure. Coordination with law enforcement in Chattogram and Dhaka helped maintain smooth transportation during restricted highway movements, contributing to stable market prices.
Officials highlighted a major operational improvement: “zero waiting time” for vessels at the outer anchorage, compared with the usual two to three days of congestion. Enhanced coordination and efficient management were credited for this achievement.
