Chattogram Bureau :
Chattogram port, the country’s premier seaport, is poised to set a new record in container handling this year, a positive indicator that businesses have overcome the challenges faced throughout the year, including the toppling of an autocratic regime.
As of 22 December, the port has already handled around 32 lakh TEUs , and port authorities expect this figure to reach approximately 32.8 lakh TEUs by the end of the year.
Chattogram port entered the “three million club” in 2019 by handling around 30.88 lakh TEUs. In 2021, it handled the highest number, around 32.15 lakh TEUs. With the current rate of container handling, the port’s global ranking is expected to improve.
The port handles an average of 7,000 to 8,000 TEUs per day. “Assuming an average of 7,000 TEUs per day for the remaining nine days of the year, an additional 63,000 TEUs will be handled, bringing the total to nearly 32.8 lakh TEUs by the end of the year,” said a senior port official.
Despite global crises and natural disasters, the achievement is attributed to efficient port management, cooperation among stakeholders and growth in import-export trade.
Md Omar Faruque, secretary of Chattogram Port Authority, told the New Nation that “Global crisis have started to subside, leading to a revival in trade. This has resulted in increased imports and exports, consequently boosting container handling. Additionally, various initiatives have been undertaken to streamline port operations.
The cumulative effect of these factors is evident in the improved port performance.”
According to the Bangladesh Inland Container Depot Association, the country’s import-export ratio is 2:1, meaning that for every two import containers, one export container is shipped. Empty containers are returned along with export containers to various transshipment ports.
