Container handling at Chittagong Port speeds up, ships arrive without waiting

Highlights

Historic Growth: First 10 months of 2025 saw significant rises in container, cargo, and vessel handling at Chittagong Port
Zero Waiting Time: In September, October, and November, vessels faced no delay at outer anchorage
Massive Efficiency Gains: Faster berthing reduced lead time for importers and exporters
NCT Shines: New Mooring Container Terminal recorded double-digit growth in both containers and ships

Chittagong Port has recorded a powerful run of uninterrupted growth in cargo, container, and vessel handling this year. According to a press release issued on Monday (24 November) by the Chittagong Port Authority, the country’s premier seaport has continued its upward trajectory in operations while achieving a remarkable milestone — zero waiting time at the outer anchorage for several consecutive days.

Growth at a Glance

In the first 10 months of 2025, the port handled

28,49,542 TEUs containers,
1 crore 15 lakh metric tons of cargo, and
3,552 vessels.

Compared to the same period last year, container handling grew by 4.87%, cargo by 12.64%, and vessel handling by 10.97%. This impressive rise means that the port handled 1,32,328 more TEUs, 12.9 lakh more metric tons of cargo, and 351 more vessels than last year.

2025–26 Fiscal Performance

The momentum remained strong in the current fiscal year. Between July and October:

12,13,805 TEUs containers,
45.2 lakh metric tons cargo, and
1,422 vessels were handled.

These figures reflect year-on-year growth of 10.15% in containers, 15.76% in cargo, and 11% in vessels.

NCT’s Dynamic Contribution

Chittagong Dry Dock Limited’s operation of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) has added exceptional strength to the port’s performance. In the first four months of FY2025–26, NCT handled 4,68,871 TEUs and 253 vessels, marking 15.5% growth in container handling and 19.35% in vessels compared to the same period last year.

Zero Waiting Time

For three consecutive months, vessels arriving at Chittagong Port did not face any delay at the outer anchorage:

9 days in September,
18 days in October, and
19 days in November saw zero waiting time.

This means ships received berthing opportunities immediately upon arrival, significantly improving overall operational flow.

Why It Matters

Faster berthing directly reduces lead time for both importers and exporters. Importers can release goods quicker, while exporters can load shipments on time. Ultimately, this efficiency:

Lowers the cost of goods for consumers
Enhances Bangladesh’s competitiveness in the global market
Strengthens the reliability of the country’s supply chain

Behind the Progress

The port authority attributes the success to:

Addition of new handling equipment
Expanded yard capacity
Increased digitalization
Coordinated efforts of port officials, workers, and stakeholders

A Maersk Line delegation recently visited the port and expressed satisfaction with the reduced vessel waiting time and improved terminal efficiency.

The port authority noted that these achievements have enhanced Chittagong Port’s international image and paved the way for more robust, efficient port management in the future.

Source: TBS