Highlights

    Ctg Port entered the "three million club" in 2019 by handling around 30.88 lakh TEUs
    The port handles an average of 7,000 to 8,000 TEUs per day
    The port's global ranking (currently 67th on Lloyd's List) is likely to improve

Chattogram Port, the country's premier seaport, is poised to set a new record in container handling this year, a positive indicator that businesses have overcome the challenges faced throughout the year, including the toppling of an autocratic regime.

As of 22 December, the port has already handled around 32 lakh TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), and port authorities expect this figure to reach approximately 32.8 lakh TEUs by the end of the year.

Chattogram Port entered the "three million club" in 2019 by handling around 30.88 lakh TEUs. In 2021, it handled the highest number, around 32.15 lakh TEUs.

With the current rate of container handling, the port's global ranking is expected to improve.
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The port handles an average of 7,000 to 8,000 TEUs per day. "Assuming an average of 7,000 TEUs per day for the remaining nine days of the year, an additional 63,000 TEUs will be handled, bringing the total to nearly 32.8 lakh TEUs by the end of the year," said a senior port official.

Despite global crises and natural disasters, the achievement is attributed to efficient port management, cooperation among stakeholders and growth in import-export trade.

Md Omar Faruque, secretary of Chattogram Port Authority, told TBS, "Global crises have started to subside, leading to a revival in trade. This has resulted in increased imports and exports, consequently boosting container handling. Additionally, various initiatives have been undertaken to streamline port operations. The cumulative effect of these factors is evident in the improved port performance."

He noted that the growth is a testament to the dedication of Chattogram Port Authority, various stakeholders and everyone else involved.

According to the Bangladesh Inland Container Depot Association, the country's import-export ratio is 2:1, meaning that for every two import containers, one export container is shipped. Empty containers are returned along with export containers to various transshipment ports.
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Ruhel Amin Shikdar, secretary general of the association, said of the 30 lakh TEUs handled annually, approximately 14 lakh are import containers. Among these, there are a maximum of 40,000 TEUs of empty containers annually, he said, adding that export-laden container handling stands at around 7 lakh TEUs and the remaining 9 lakh empty containers are returned.

Chattogram Port has a container storage capacity of 53,518 TEUs. As of 8am yesterday, there were 35,927 TEUs at the port. On 31 October, there were 40,443 TEUs at the port yard.

Port's global ranking

 The London-based shipping publication Lloyd's List regularly compiles a ranking of global container handling. According to the 2023 list, Chattogram Port is currently ranked 67th. The port authorities and users expect the port's global ranking to improve further due to the record container handling in 2024.

Throughout the year, the port's operations were disrupted by natural disasters, anti-government agitation and a curfew in July and August, along with internet shutdowns and floods. Despite these challenges, the achievement of such a high level of container handling is being viewed positively by the country's business community.

Syed Mohammad Arif, president of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, said, "The increase in container and cargo handling reflects the growth of the country's foreign trade. This will further improve Chattogram Port's position in the global port ranking."