Ports are essential infrastructure for global trade, with over 4,000 seaports operating worldwide. As international trade continues to grow at a rapid pace, the development of new ports is increasing at a similar rate.
Over 80 per cent of the volume of world trade is carried by sea from port to port. International shipping and seaports provide crucial linkages in global supply chains and are essential for all countries, including landlocked nations, to access global markets.
According to UN Trade and Development, seaports in developing countries account for more than 60 per cent of goods loaded and unloaded globally, illustrating the interconnectedness and interdependence of economies and key transport networks.
Chittagong Port, widely regarded as the lifeline of Bangladesh’s economy and the nation’s gateway to prosperity, has emerged as a key driver of the country’s blue economy. As global attention increasingly turns towards ocean-based development, Bangladesh—endowed with a long coastline and a strategic maritime location—stands at a decisive moment. At the heart of this opportunity lies Chittagong Port, whose multifaceted operations are shaping the future of sustainable maritime growth.
According to the United Nations, the blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, job creation and improved livelihoods while preserving marine ecosystems. Globally, the blue economy is valued at around $2.5 trillion annually, equivalent to the world’s seventh-largest economy. More than 600 million people are employed in ocean-dependent sectors and, in 2023 alone, global exports from blue-economy activities reached $2.2 trillion. If Bangladesh integrates more effectively into this global flow, the long-term benefits will be substantial.
Chittagong Port operates across nearly 2,020 square kilometres of maritime and riverine waters in the Bay of Bengal and the Karnaphuli River. Since its establishment, the port has acquired approximately 2,666 acres of land across 36 mouzas, including areas designated for the Moheshkhali Deep Sea Port and the Halishahar Bay Terminal.
Today, Chittagong Port handles nearly 90 per cent of Bangladesh’s foreign trade, far surpassing all other seaports combined. This overwhelming share underscores its central role in advancing the country’s blue-economy ambitions.
One of its most crucial contributions is facilitating maritime trade. A decade ago, container vessels often required up to 10 days to complete cargo handling. Through automation, digital systems and modern handling equipment, vessel turnaround time has been reduced to nearly two days.
According to UN Trade and Development, efficient ports can reduce turnaround time to less than 24 hours, as seen in Norway, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Reducing loading and unloading time lowers logistics costs, enhances competitiveness and strengthens integration into global supply chains.
The port also plays a vital role in fisheries management, processing and marketing. Under statutory authority, Chittagong Port oversees regulation and conservation of maritime and riverine zones within its jurisdiction.
While many inland rivers in Bangladesh have suffered declining navigability, historical data indicate that the Karnaphuli River has maintained—and in some cases improved—its navigability, ensuring uninterrupted movement of aquatic biodiversity.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the value of fish harvests from marine fisheries and aquaculture is estimated at over $150 billion. Fish and seafood remain among the most traded food commodities globally. Around 35–38 per cent of world production enters international trade, valued at $143 billion in 2016 and about $152 billion in 2017.
Nearly 60 million people were engaged in capture fisheries and aquaculture in 2016 and of the 171 million tonnes of total fish production, over 151 million tonnes, or about 88 per cent, were used for direct human consumption.
Bangladesh’s largest fish landing centre is located near Chaktai Khal on the Karnaphuli River, built on nearly four acres of land leased by Chittagong Port to the National Fishermen’s Cooperative Society. The port’s land support and river management have transformed this landing centre into an organised and profitable hub, ensuring structured harvesting, processing and distribution.
Energy security and industrial development represent another pillar of the blue economy. With daily liquefied natural gas demand estimated at 3,800 million cubic feet per day against a supply shortfall of around 1,000 million cubic feet per day, the government has adopted a phased plan to expand regasification capacity.
The first phase aims to add 1,000 million cubic feet per day, followed by another 1,000 million cubic feet per day after 2032, supported by 15 days of storage capacity through five to six liquefied natural gas tanks. For this purpose, 67 hectares of land adjacent to the Moheshkhali Deep Sea Port have been identified.
To ensure safe berthing of carriers, Chittagong Port will develop channels and basins, requiring land acquisition and resettlement. Once completed, this infrastructure is expected to ease the country’s energy deficit and support industrial growth.
Approximately 130 acres of leased land have been allocated to 16 port-supporting heavy industrial establishments along the right bank of the Karnaphuli River. These industrial clusters contribute significantly to the national economy while also generating revenue for port operations.
Shipbuilding and ship-repair industries are indispensable to a sustainable blue economy. Chattogram Dry Dock Limited operates on 34 acres of port-leased land, providing essential dockyard services. In addition, 50 acres at Moheshkhali have been earmarked for a green dockyard to service vessels calling at the deep sea port.
The proposed facility is expected to adopt environmentally responsible practices, including the use of advanced CAD and CAM software for steel cutting and recyclable materials to reduce environmental impact.
Employment generation and skills development for households affected by port expansion have been tangible benefits of port-led growth. In the Moheshkhali Deep Sea Port project area, one representative from nearly 500 affected families has received training to facilitate rehabilitation and workforce transition.
The construction phase alone is expected to create direct employment for approximately 1,200 officers, staff and workers, primarily benefiting local communities, while indirect employment will expand across transport, logistics and services.
Maritime connectivity is another critical dimension. Expanding coastal and inland waterway transport allows containerised cargo to move via rivers, reducing pressure on roads, bridges and railways.
Tourism, particularly cruise and marine tourism, holds untapped potential. Chittagong Port remains the country’s primary cruise-capable seaport and can accommodate international cruise vessels. With proper passenger handling, immigration, customs and security facilities, safe cruise operations can be supported.
Establishing maritime tourism links between Patenga, Anwara, Moheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar and Saint Martin’s Island could transform the region into a comprehensive marine tourism hub.
Beyond commerce, Chittagong Port supports marine research and environmental stewardship. Its hydrography and marine departments conduct charting, hydrographic, morphological and bathymetric surveys of the Karnaphuli River and adjacent sea areas to maintain navigability and sustainability.
Projects such as the Matarbari Deep Sea Port and the Bay Terminal are being developed under green-port principles, aligning Bangladesh with global sustainability standards.
The blue economy is inherently global and interconnected. While land borders are fixed, the ocean connects nations and ecosystems beyond artificial boundaries, reinforcing shared responsibility for sustainable ocean governance.
Chittagong Port, by anchoring this maritime network, enhances regional integration and economic resilience.
The blue economy is not a luxury for Bangladesh; it is a strategic necessity. With long-term planning, efficient management, social inclusion and environmental responsibility, Chittagong Port can unlock the vast potential of the sea and secure a sustainable economic future for the nation.
The author is the Assistant Manager, Estates at Chittagong Port Authority. He can be reached at [email protected]
