By BusinessToday24 Correspondent, Chattogram: Chattogram Port has witnessed significant growth in container handling during the fiscal year 2024–25, reaching new heights despite several challenges. As of June 15 of the current fiscal year, the port handled a total of 3,111,799 TEUs, marking a 4.63% increase compared to the same period last year.
According to the port authority, despite facing serious obstacles—including political unrest in July, prolonged flooding, extended Eid holidays, a customs pen-down strike, and transport strikes—they successfully maintained uninterrupted operations. This improvement in handling volume is expected to positively impact the country’s trade momentum.
Sources at the port revealed that during the 2023–24 fiscal year, a total of 3,168,690 TEUs were handled, compared to 3,007,375 TEUs in 2022–23. Although 15 days remain in the current fiscal year, surpassing last year’s total handling volume has made the port authority optimistic about setting a new record by June 30.
This success is largely attributed to progress in port modernization and infrastructure development. Notably, the launch of automation services, the implementation of an e-gate pass system, and the modernization of container operating systems have made port operations faster and more transparent, facilitating timely delivery of commercial goods.
As Bangladesh’s principal seaport, Chattogram Port plays a critical role in driving the country’s economy. A spokesperson for the port authority stated, “We are enhancing technological applications in port management to reduce risks and disruptions, thereby streamlining commercial activities. Such achievements will energize the country’s business sector and reinforce our position in global trade.”
Chattogram Port’s efficiency and modern management directly influence the national trade environment. Effective operation of the port supports export-import development and ensures better trade facilitation.
Summary:
- As of June 15, 2024–25 FY: 3,111,799 TEUs handled
- Growth: 4.63% higher than the same period last year
- 2023–24 FY Total: 3,168,690 TEUs
- Surpassed last year’s record with 15 days remaining
- Challenges faced: political unrest, floods, holidays, customs strike, transport disruption
- Modernization efforts: automation, e-gate pass, upgraded operating systems
- Impact: positive contribution to business climate and trade flow
Chattogram’s Progress Amid Notable Growth in Neighboring Ports
While Chattogram Port has made notable advances in container handling during FY 2024–25, several neighboring countries have also achieved impressive growth in their respective ports, intensifying the regional competition in international trade.
India’s major ports recorded an average growth of 10% in container handling during the same fiscal year. The country’s total cargo handling reached approximately 855 million tonnes, representing a 4.3% increase from the previous year. This growth reflects India’s expanding maritime capacity and infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, significant progress was also noted in Southeast Asia. Singapore’s combined container handling by the Port of Singapore Authority and Jurong Port rose by 6.1% during the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Malaysia’s Port Klang also set a remarkable record by handling 14.64 million TEUs in 2024, a 4.1% increase from the previous year—the highest volume ever recorded by the port.
Sri Lanka’s Colombo Port handled 7.8 million TEUs in 2024, registering a 23% growth. This sharp rise was largely driven by a 9.7% increase in transshipment volumes.
A close analysis of these data shows that South and Southeast Asian countries are expanding their container handling capabilities. To maintain its competitive edge in regional trade, Bangladesh must further strengthen the modernization of Chattogram Port, improve vessel turnaround times, reform transshipment policies, and enhance cargo management through technological integration.
