Chattogram Port is moving towards a fully paperless operation, with 100 per cent of vessel bills already processed online and the authority setting December 2026 as the deadline for completing its digital transformation.
The port authority is introducing Terminal Operating System (TOS)-based billing, e-gates, round-the-clock online payments and real-time document verification as part of the move to a “smart” port, according to a press release issued on 23 September.
The initiative aims to simplify services for port users, speed up cargo clearance, reduce congestion and improve transparency in revenue collection.
The progress of digital services was reviewed at a recent meeting chaired by Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman.
The authority has directed that container and consignee bills be generated and collected entirely through the TOS, reducing paperwork and shortening the time required for bill preparation, verification and payment.
The port is preparing to introduce round-the-clock online payment facilities at its newly constructed One-Stop Service Centre. A Sonali Bank PLC booth will be installed at the centre, while API integration will allow payments on public holidays and outside regular office hours.
The authority is also automating e-gate pass issuance and gate-in and gate-out processes. Time-slot management through the TOS, online cart tickets and e-gate challans are being introduced, while vessel Electronic No Objection Certificates (e-NOCs) will be processed entirely online.
To strengthen revenue collection, the authority has decided to introduce an auto-pull payment system for port charges unpaid beyond the stipulated 72-hour period. The TOS will also be used for online approval of Special Delivery Assignments.
Auction delivery will be brought under an online system through API integration with the National Board of Revenue and Customs, while digitalisation of break-bulk operations will be expedited.
The digitalisation drive also covers truck and cargo movement management. The new version of the TOS is being integrated with drop tickets, pickup tickets and EIR e-gate passes to improve vehicle entry, cargo collection and movement within the port.
The One-Stop Service Centre will provide real-time document verification, bill generation and confirmation. ICD integration is also being undertaken, while a payment-based truck parking ticketing system is planned for the Bay Terminal using slot-by-slot mapping.
The authority expects the system to reduce unnecessary waiting times for trucks and improve vehicle movement and parking management.
All relevant departments, agencies and stakeholders have been instructed to complete their digitalisation and automation activities by December 2026.
The authority said the integrated digital system would reduce service-related time and costs for port users, accelerate cargo clearance and improve transparency and efficiency in billing and revenue collection.
Chattogram Port handles the overwhelming majority of Bangladesh’s seaborne containerised trade. The authority views digitalisation and automation as a key component of its broader effort to modernise port operations.
The Chattogram Port Authority has called on port users, businesses, shipping agents, C&F agents and other stakeholders to cooperate with the transition to the new digital service system.
