Despite political unrest earlier in the year and recurrent floods, Chittagong Port has witnessed a record-breaking year in 2024, registering a 7.42% growth in container handling compared to 2023.
Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority, disclosed the information on Wednesday during a visit to port activities.
The port handled a total of 32.76 lakh containers and 12.39 crore metric tonnes of goods during the year. Cargo handling also saw a 3.11% growth.
"Chittagong Port has achieved the highest volume of container and cargo handling in its history in 2024," Moniruzzaman said.
Besides, the port recorded a revenue income of Tk 5,055.99 crore, a 21.39% increase from the previous year's Tk 4,165.18 crore. The revenue surplus stood at Tk 2,948.97 crore, marking a 37.60% rise compared to the previous year's Tk 2,143.10 crore.
The revenue expenditure was Tk 2,107.2 crore, which is 4.20% less than last year's Tk 2,202.8 crore.
Sources said Chittagong Port, ranked 67th among the world's 100 busiest ports, has been facing several challenges in recent years.
The ongoing dollar crisis led to restrictions on luxury goods imports, slowing container and cargo handling at the port.
In 2023, container handling dropped to 3.05 lakh metric tonnes, while cargo volume fell to 12.2 crore metric tonnes.
Moreover, the student-led movement in July and August this year and devastating floods in September further impacted the country's economy.
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