Ctg Port posts unprecedented performance since Aug 2024

CHATTOGRAM, Oct 7: Chattogram Port has recorded significant gains in operational efficiency, digitalisation, infrastructure, security and revenue generation over the past 26 months, according to Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA).

Speaking to the Daily Observer, the CPA chairman said the port handled 7.27 million TEUs of containers and 287.16 million metric tonnes of cargo while receiving 8,990 vessels during the period from August 2024 to September 20, 2026.

Vessel turnaround time improved to 2.23 days, while average waiting time for ships at jetties was reduced sharply. In September 2024, container vessels had to wait around three days at anchorage for berthing. By September 2026, the waiting time had fallen to almost zero, significantly reducing demurrage costs for importers and exporters.

Turnaround time also improved from 2.53 days in September 2024 to 2.23 days in September 2026.

The port's performance continued to improve in 2026. During January-September, cargo handling rose 0.52 percent to 103.24 million tonnes from 102.70 million tonnes in the same period of 2025. Container handling increased 2.25 percent to 2.62 million TEUs, while vessel arrivals rose 2.69 percent to 3,246.

Average turnaround time for container vessels also declined from 2.58 days to 2.25 days.
During the first quarter of FY2026-27, cargo handling grew 1.85 percent year-on-year to 33.53 million tonnes, while vessel arrivals increased 2.13 percent to 1,053. Container handling reached 863,278 TEUs and turnaround time fell from 2.63 days to 2.21 days.

Capacity expansion
The CPA completed a Tk1,087.28 crore equipment procurement project in June 2026, adding 81 heavy handling machines to its fleet. Equipment availability rose from 70 percent to 80 percent, while gantry crane demand at the New Mooring Container Terminal was fully met.

The upgrades also helped reduce vessel waiting time from 60 hours to 48 hours, shortening port lead times for exporters, particularly the ready-made garment sector.

Major infrastructure projects are also advancing. At Matarbari, land acquisition for the first phase has been completed, while civil works, including geotube dam construction, sand filling and ground improvement, are underway.

The Bay Terminal project has also made progress. The government signed a $650 million World Bank loan at concessional rates, while 500.701 acres of land were acquired at a nominal cost. Marine infrastructure development is expected to pave the way for climate-resilient breakwater construction.

At Laldia, a concession agreement was signed with Denmark's APM Terminals. The site was handed over in April and construction formally began on August 30, with operations targeted for 2030.

Digital and green transformation
Digitalisation has emerged as another major area of transformation. The CPA launched its Port Single Window, CPA SKY, integrating online services including NOCs, e-gate passes, delivery orders, billing and payments.

The port also upgraded its Terminal Operating System, integrated it with ASYCUDA World and introduced paperless vessel NOCs and online gate passes. From November 1, 2026, container bills will be processed entirely online through mandatory banking channels.

The CPA has been designated Critical Information Infrastructure and installed a cybersecurity system with round-the-clock threat detection and monitoring capabilities.

The port also achieved zero observations in the US Coast Guard International Port Security Audit, according to the CPA, reflecting compliance with international security standards.

A smart access-control system using facial recognition and RFID has been introduced in restricted areas. A joint anti-terrorism exercise involving the armed forces and law-enforcement agencies was also conducted in January 2026.

The CPA is moving towards a greener port through rooftop solar projects and preparation of a long-term Green Strategy aimed at reducing dependence on grid electricity and lowering carbon emissions.

Revenue and hazardous cargo
The authority has also intensified efforts to improve revenue from port-owned land by leasing properties competitively and removing illegal encroachments. Officials said land rental revenue has increased by up to 17 times, with cumulative earnings projected at Tk700 crore.

The port also launched a special operation to remove hazardous chemicals that had remained in 29 containers since 2003. In the first phase, nine containers containing dangerous acids and thinners were transferred for environmentally compliant destruction at Wata Chemicals Ltd in Narayanganj.

Financially, the CPA remained strongly profitable. Between February 2024 and August 2026, it earned Tk12,973.40 crore in revenue against operational expenditure of Tk4,760.54 crore, generating a pre-tax operational surplus of Tk8,099.43 crore.

It contributed Tk3,772.95 crore directly to the national exchequer through VAT, tax and non-tax revenue.

The CPA chairman said the combined improvements in capacity, technology, security, infrastructure and financial management were aimed at transforming Chattogram Port into a modern international maritime hub.