Ctg port sets new benchmarks in FY25 defying odds

Amid significant local and global challenges to foreign trade, Chattogram port set new records in container, cargo, and vessel handling during the recently concluded 2024-2025 fiscal year (FY25), surpassing previous performance benchmarks.

The country’s premier seaport, which handles approximately 92% of the total export-import trade, recorded growth of 4.02% in container handling, 6.07% in cargo handling, and 2.67% in vessel handling in FY25. This compares with growth rates of 5.36%, 4.18%, and a negative 6.63% respectively in the previous fiscal year.

Officials of the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) attributed the achievement to a range of measures aimed at improving operational efficiency. These included the acquisition of new equipment, initiatives for faster delivery, and the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Shipping, the CPA, and other stakeholders.

According to CPA data, the port handled 3,296,067 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers and 130,724,783 tonnes of cargo in FY25, both surpassing previous records. The former record for container handling was 3,255,358 TEUs in FY22, while the cargo record stood at 123,242,748 tonnes in FY24.

In FY24, the port managed 3,168,690 TEUs, compared to 3,007,375 in FY23, 3,097,236 in FY21, 3,004,142 in FY20, 2,919,023 in FY19, and 2,809,354 in FY18.

Similarly, cargo volumes were 118,297,643 tonnes in FY23; 118,174,160 in FY22; 113,729,373 in FY21; 101,565,272 in FY20; 98,240,655 in FY19; and 92,923,228 tonnes in FY18.

A total of 4,077 vessels arrived at the port in FY25, compared to 3,971 in FY24; 4,253 in FY23; 4,231 in FY22; 4,062 in FY21; 3,764 in FY20; 3,699 in FY19; and 3,664 in FY18, according to official statistics.

The CPA reported earnings of Tk4,824.59 crore up to May FY25, slightly below Tk4,830.37 crore in FY24.

Meanwhile, Chattogram Customs House collected revenue of Tk75,432 crore in FY25, falling short of its Tk80,402 crore target. It had earned Tk68,755 crore in FY24.

Sources indicated that global trade was adversely affected in FY25 due to persistently high inflation, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the subsequent crisis in the Middle East.

Chattogram Port also experienced severe backlogs owing to curfews, internet shutdowns, public holidays, and widespread flooding in July and August last year.

The situation was further exacerbated by a 10-day Eid holiday, followed by pen-down strikes and complete shutdowns by National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials in phases from 14 May.

These disruptions brought the country’s international trade to a near standstill on 28 and 29 June, causing significant congestion of vessels and containers at the port.

CPA Secretary Mohammad Omar Faruk described the port’s performance as “outstanding” given the challenging circumstances.

He credited the success to continuous oversight and cooperation from the Ministry of Shipping, as well as the dedicated efforts of CPA officials and staff.

Key contributions also came from the introduction of automated services, the e-gate pass system, modernisation of the container operating system, infrastructure expansion, and enhanced staff training. Faruk noted that the number of containers handled could have reached 3.3 million had there been no operational disruptions.

International Business Forum of Chattogram President SM Abu Tyub, praised the port's accomplishments amid adversity.

However, he stressed the need for further efficiency improvements to reduce vessel turnaround time and ensure quicker delivery of goods to support future international trade.