The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) on Tuesday (10 February) launched the Port Single Window (CPA SKY)—a unified digital platform integrating services of the port, Customs and the National Board of Revenue (NBR)—marking a major step towards smart, paperless port management.
CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman inaugurated the system at the port building boardroom on Tuesday afternoon (February 10). Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser at the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb, joined the event virtually as chief guest.
Officials said the platform will transform how port users interact with multiple agencies by bringing all services under one digital interface, significantly cutting processing time, paperwork and physical visits.
Although the port, Customs and other agencies previously used separate digital tools—such as the Terminal Operating System and ASYCUDA—there was no interconnectivity among them. CPA SKY functions as a Port Community System, linking all stakeholders on a single platform.
“This is the Port Single Window we practically did not have before,” the chairman said. “Now all organisations are connected here. Work that once required visits to desks at the port, customs, banks and freight forwarders can now be done online.”
He added that tasks that previously took five to seven days can now be completed in as little as 30 minutes.
According to CPA, the new system offers: Single Sign-On (AIS 2.0): One login for all port-related services. Real-time vessel monitoring: Digital radar and automated vessel tracking. Faster customs and port clearance: End-to-end approvals and cargo release online.
Data integration: Direct connectivity with NBR, banks and other government agencies. Transparency and accountability: Digital tracking at every step to improve ease of doing business.
The platform also enables online processing of EGM, IGM and pre-arrival procedures, allowing import clearance processes to begin even before a vessel reaches port.
On the inaugural day, the live dashboard showed 67 per cent berth utilization, with 14 of 21 berths operational, and 128 vessels tagged in the system for monitoring.
Officials said this real-time data visibility will reduce manual workload, improve planning and ensure more efficient vessel and cargo handling.
Rear Admiral Moniruzzaman said the initiative will reduce paperwork, physical movement and delays, contributing to a greener and more efficient port.
“I do not want to see paper on desks anymore,” he said. “Our official functions will be digital. This is a major milestone. The world will know Chittagong Port is now part of the digital maritime logistics corridor aligned with international standards.”
He noted that earlier, delivery processes began only after goods arrived and customs formalities were completed. With CPA SKY, the process can start from the load port through the online platform and run 24/7.
CPA also plans to set up a Port Single Window help desk and agent desks in Dhaka and Chattogram to assist users. A minimal service charge may apply for support services.
Speaking virtually, Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb said the system could increase the overall operational capacity of the port by three to five times, bringing “revolutionary changes” to the country’s economy and international trade.
