CPA sets record in performance

CHATTOGRAM, Jan 4: The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA), the country's principal seaport, sets a record in all major performance indicators including handling of Containers, vessels and cargo during the 2025 calender year.

The Chattogram Port, handles about 92 percent of Bangladesh's total seaborne general cargo and nearly 98 percent of containerised imports and exports. According to CPA data, the port handled 3,409,069 TEUs of containers, 138,151,812 metric tons of cargo, and 4,273 vessels during January-December until now.

Compared to 2024, container handling increased by 4.07 percent, cargo throughput rose by 11.43 percent and vessel handling grew by 10.50 percent. In absolute terms, the port handled some 133,442 additional TEUs, 14.17 million more metric tons of cargo, and 406 more vessels than the previous year. Container handling crossed 3.4 million TEUs for the first time, marking the highest annual figure in the port's history, said a press release.

Total cargo handling stood at 138.15 million metric tons, driven mainly by a 13.20 percent growth in bulk cargo, while container cargo increased by 6.02 percent. These figures reflect enhanced operational capacity and the port's critical role in sustaining the national logistics chain and external trade. The latest data underlines Chattogram Port's dominant role in the national economy, handling more than 90% of Bangladesh's seaborne trade and nearly all containerised imports and exports.

Container traffic, which had slowed after the post-pandemic rebound, continued its recovery in 2025.

After reaching a record 32.15 lakh TEUs in 2021, volumes fell to 31.42 lakh TEUs in 2022 and 30.50 lakh TEUs in 2023 amid weaker global demand and supply chain disruptions.  The trend reversed in 2024, when handling rose to around 32.76 lakh TEUs, before increasing further to 34.40 lakh TEUs in 2025.

Confirming the growth, CPA Director admin Omar Faruk said improved equipment utilisation, expanded container yards and greater use of off-dock facilities have helped ease pressure during peak periods.

 He added that closer coordination with shipping lines has also contributed to smoother operations. In 2024, Chattogram Port handled about 3.28 million TEUs and 3,867 vessels. The notable rise in vessel calls in 2025 suggests stronger shipping activity and improved turnaround efficiency, even as global shipping routes continued to adjust to geopolitical and economic shifts. Industry stakeholders, however, caution that sustaining this growth will depend on faster implementation of major infrastructure projects, including the Bay Terminal, and  improved rail and road links.  Persistent congestion at port gates and delays in container evacuation remain key concerns for traders.

The port authority said vessel waiting time has fallen sharply due to improved operational efficiency. In September, waiting time dropped to zero for nine days; in October, for 18 days; and in November, for 19 days. Ships arriving at the port are now receiving berths on arrival.