Chattogram Port, the country’s main seaport, has achieved significant growth in the 2025–26 fiscal year. According to published data, notable progress has been recorded across all key sectors-cargo handling, container transportation, and vessel arrivals.
Significant Growth in Cargo Handling
In the first nine months of the 2025–26 fiscal year, a total of 104,298,658 metric tons of cargo were handled, representing a 7.39% increase compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year. Cargo handling recorded a remarkable growth of 21.11% in October 2025. This achievement was driven by increased imports of fuel, wheat, and raw materials, along with overall economic stability.
Steady Improvement in Container Handling
Container transportation has also shown a positive trend. During the first nine months of the fiscal year, a total of 2,572,346 TEUs were handled, marking a 4.75% increase compared to the previous year. August and September 2025 were particularly significant, with growth rates of 20.10% and 10.22% respectively. Modernization and automation in terminal management have reduced congestion and enabled faster cargo clearance.
Success in Vessel Handling and Turnaround Time
The average vessel turnaround time at the port has been reduced from over 4 days to 2.53 days. As a result, a record 391 vessels were handled in October 2025, which is 16.02% higher than the previous year. Additionally, a total of 3,230 vessels were handled in the first nine months of the fiscal year, reflecting a 5.62% increase year-on-year.
Key Drivers Behind the Success
Several strategic initiatives have contributed to this growth. Under efficient leadership, operational management has improved significantly. The handover of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) has boosted operational efficiency by 12–14%.
Moreover, the introduction of online e-gate pass systems, Terminal Operating System (TOS), digital e-billing, and the ‘CPA Sky’ platform has enhanced service speed and transparency. In many cases, vessels experienced zero waiting time before berthing.
24/7 Operations Ensuring Supply Chain Stability
Despite the long Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, the port maintained uninterrupted 24/7 operations. In just one week in March 2026, approximately 2.5 million tons of cargo and 55,000 TEUs were handled, ensuring the steady supply of essential commodities across the country.
Digitalization and Pre-Arrival Process (PAP)
The implementation of the Pre-Arrival Process (PAP) has enabled customs clearance to be completed before vessels arrive at the port. This has significantly reduced cargo dwell time and improved overall port efficiency.
Chattogram Port Authority said that in the past month, substantial progress has been made across all operational sectors. They remain optimistic that once ongoing modernization initiatives are fully implemented, this growth trend will become even stronger in the future.