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Chattogram Port, the country's premier seaport, handled a total of 3.29 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers in the fiscal year 2024-25, marking an increase of 0.13 million TEUs compared to the previous year.
In FY2023-24, the port handled 3.17 million TEUs, while in FY2022-23, the figure stood at 3.01 million TEUs, showing a steady upward trend in container throughput over the past three years.
The port also recorded significant growth in bulk cargo handling, managing 130.72 million tonnes of open cargo in FY25. This compares to 123.24 million tonnes in FY24 and 118.30 million tonnes in FY23.
A total of 4,077 ships called at the port in FY25, up from 3,971 in FY24. However, this remains slightly lower than the 4,253 vessels handled in FY23.
Speaking to The Financial Express, Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) Secretary Mohammad Omar Faruk said, "The cargo growth at Chattogram Port ranges between seven to 10 per cent annually. We are targeting to handle five million TEUs by 2030. To achieve this, we are reforming internal systems and enhancing capacity."
He noted the need for expanded infrastructure, such as the construction of overflow yards and improvements to 19 off-docks.
"We are removing all hazardous cargo from the port's jetties under the ASYCUDA system in collaboration with Chattogram Custom House," he added.
Mr Faruk credited the achievement to the tireless work and sincere efforts of port officials and employees, as well as key infrastructure upgrades, including automation services, the introduction of e-gate passes, and the modernisation of the container operating system.
He also mentioned that the handling figures could have been higher if not for a 2-3 day suspension of operations by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) at the end of the fiscal year.
"Chattogram Port currently handles more than 92 per cent of Bangladesh's import-export cargo and 98 per cent of its containers," Mr Faruk said.
"We have already undertaken several development projects for the port's future expansion."
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