Md. Shahriar Ripon: According to the published data, the port has achieved significant growth in each area – cargo handling, container transport and number of ship arrivals.
Cargo Handling: Continuous improvement has been observed in cargo handling in the fiscal year 2025-26. Especially in the month of October 2025, a record 21.11% growth has been achieved in cargo transport. This success has come as a result of the stabilization of the economy and the increase in the import of fuel and raw materials. It can be seen that 10,42,98,658 metric tons of cargo were handled in the first nine months of the fiscal year 2025-26, which is 7.39% more than the same period of the fiscal year 2024-25. Cargo Handling for 1st 09 months.png
Container Handling (TUS): The months of August and September 2025 were very important in terms of container transport. Growth of 20.10% was recorded in August and 10.22% in September. Modernization and automation in terminal management have reduced container congestion and enabled faster cargo unloading. A review of the data received shows that 25,72,346 TEUs of containers were handled in the first nine months of the fiscal year 2025-26, which is 4.75% more than the same period of the fiscal year 2024-25.
Container Handling for 1st 09 months.png
Ship Handling: The average turnaround time of ships at the port has been reduced from 4 days to 2.53 days. As a result, a maximum of 391 ships were handled in the month of October 2025, which is 16.02% more than the previous year. In addition, a total of 3,230 ships were handled in the first nine months of the fiscal year 2025-26, which is 5.62% more than the same period of the fiscal year 2024-25.
Vessel Handling for 1st 09 months.png
Key factors for success:
Efficient management leadership: A dynamic and effective team under the visionary leadership of the current Chairman of CHBOC has brought about a radical change in the port management. In addition, on 7 July 2025, the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) was handed over to Chittagong Drydock Limited (operated by Bangladesh Navy). This move has resulted in a 12-14% increase in efficiency at the busiest terminal of the port.
Modernization and Automation: The introduction of the online e-gate pass system and full implementation of the Terminal Operating System (TOS) have reduced paper-related delays and yard congestion. As a result, ships will have zero waiting time at the jetty on many days by the end of 2025.
Cargo Handling Growth (October 2025): Cargo handling grew by 21.1% due to a 13.2% increase in bulk cargo (fuel, wheat and raw material imports). This was largely due to the stabilization of the political situation and the recovery of the economy after overcoming the previous dollar crisis.
Uninterrupted service even during holidays (March 2026): The port continued to operate 24/7 despite the long Eid-ul-Fitr holiday. In just one week (March 17-23), the port handled 2.5 million tons of cargo and 55,000 TEUs of containers, helping to keep the supply chain of essential goods running.
Operational efficiency: The average time a ship stays at the port has come down from over 4 days to 2.53 days. As a result, the port has been able to handle a much higher number of ships per month compared to the period 2024-25.
Zero Waiting Time: Chittagong Port continued its operational activities 24/7 even during the Eid holidays. Although the waiting time of ships increased from 3 to 5 days before Eid, due to the overall monitoring and coordination of the authorities, it has been possible to achieve 0 (zero) days again in the outer anchorage. This allows ships to load and unload goods quickly. Due to the reduction in logistics costs, the market price of goods decreases, consumers can purchase their daily necessities at a lower price.
Digital e-Billing and Payment System: The introduction of digital e-Billing and Payment System at Chittagong Port has significantly increased the efficiency of the port authority by simplifying the financial transaction process. This digital system has put an end to the conventional paper billing system, which has reduced the suffering of importers, exporters and shipping agents and they can pay their dues instantly from anywhere.
CPA Sky’ Digital Platform: The ‘CPA Sky’ digital platform of the Chittagong Port Authority has brought all the services of export-import, customs and NBR under one integrated automated system by working as a ‘port single window’. Through this system, the need to physically go to the office has been reduced, as a result of which the time for unloading goods has come down from a few days to just 30 minutes.
Pre Arrival Process (PAP): In most countries of the world, customs clearance is currently completed using PAP. In this method, customs is collected by Customs using the Risk Management Module of ASYCUDA SYSTEM based on the details of the imported goods submitted by the importer before the ship arrives at the Chittagong port. As a result, the imported goods / containers do not have to remain at the port after being unloaded from the ship. As a result, the port’s efficiency increases and goods can be unloaded and delivered in the shortest possible time.
The Chittagong Port Authority is optimistic that this trend of growth will be further strengthened in the future once the ongoing modernization program begins in full swing.
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