Chattogram Port logs rise in cargo, container flow

Chattogram Port has recorded growth in both container and cargo handling in the first 10 months of the year, with improvements also seen in ship berthing time.

The port authority said in a statement on Monday that about 2.85 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) of import and export containers were handled between January and October, up by around 132,328 TEUs from a year earlier -- a 4.87 percent rise.

Cargo handling also grew, reaching 115.07 million metric tonnes, up 12.64 percent or 12.98 million tonnes from the previous year.

The port handled 3,552 vessels during this period, 351 more than last year.

In the last four months of the fiscal year (July–October), container handling totalled 1.2 million TEUs, cargo 45.28 million tonnes, and vessel calls 1,422, reflecting growth of 10.15 percent, 15.76 percent, and 11 percent respectively.

Berthing delays have fallen drastically, according to the statement.

In September, October, and November, there were “zero” days when ships had to wait to berth, it added.

Port Secretary Omar Faruk attributed the improvements to modern equipment, expanded yard capacity, IT use, and the dedicated efforts of port staff and users.

He said this has enabled “faster unloading of imports and timely shipping of exports”.