The Chattogram port set a remarkable benchmark in container and cargo handling this year, driven by a surge in foreign trade and improved operational efficiency.
As of December 29, the port managed 32.58 lakh TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers, marking a 6.8 percent increase from last year’s 30.51 lakh TEUs and surpassing the previous high of 32.15 lakh TEUs in 2021. This includes approximately 17.62 lakh TEUs of imported containers and 14.97 lakh TEUs for export.
Port officials project that an additional 15,000 TEUs will be processed in the final two days of the year, further extending the record.
In addition to container throughput, the port handled a total of 12.31 crore tonnes of overall cargo up to December 29, exceeding the 2023 record of 12.02 crore tonnes. This growth signifies a notable recovery in foreign trade, overcoming challenges such as the Russia-Ukraine war, conflicts in the Middle East, domestic US dollar shortages, and inflationary pressures.
The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) attributed this achievement to the efficient tallying and management of containerized and bulk cargo at its main jetties, as well as inland terminals in Keraniganj and Dhaka. Over 7 lakh TEUs of empty containers, which are routinely returned to transshipment ports, were also accounted for in the total.
CPA Secretary Md Omar Faruk highlighted the phased acquisition of advanced equipment as a key factor in improving the port’s capacity and efficiency. He expressed optimism that the sustained growth in container handling could elevate Chattogram’s ranking among the world’s 100 busiest ports.
This year also witnessed the resolution of acute congestion caused by political unrest in July and August. Syed Md Arif, Chairman of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, credited coordinated efforts by port officials and stakeholders for overcoming these disruptions.
BUSINESS GENERAL | Chongqing Citrus, Chrysanthemums, and Pickles Conquer Global Markets
