Chattagram Bureau :
Chattagram Port Authority (CPA) is encouraging shipping agents to transport more goods in large ships. As a result, the time, cost, and risk of importers and exporters are being reduced.
Port channels, jetties, berths, equipment, and yards are being utilized properly. In short, foreign exchange is being saved in various ways. The country’s economy is becoming dynamic. 98 container ships carrying flags of different countries are allowed to operate at Chattagram Port. Earlier, ships with a capacity of 1,500 to 1,800 TEUs (20 feet long) were quite common.
Now, at least 10 ships with a capacity of 2,000 to 2,200 containers are coming. Ships with a capacity of 2,500 TEUs are also coming to the port regularly.
Sources say that in 2023, Chattagram Port handled more containers and cargo than it handled in 2024 with 3,867 ships. In this case, 236 ships came less. Those concerned say the main secret is the large ships. In 2024, Chattagram Port handled 3.27 million TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) of containers.
Cargo handled 123 million metric tons. Compared to 2023, there was a 7.42 percent increase in containers and 3.11 percent in cargo. Chairman of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association Syed Mohammad Arif said that at one time, a maximum of 186-meter-long ships could be brought to the port. Later, it was increased to 190 meters and most recently to 200 meters.
At the same time, the underwater part or draft of the ship has also been increased. As a result, the goods or containers that were previously brought in 4 small ships can now be brought in 2-3 large ships. As a result, costs are being minimized. Its financial benefits are many.
When small ships arrive, they have to wait at the outer anchorage for various reasons, including waiting for the tide and the jetty not being empty.
This has led to shipping agents having to pay demurrage. Now, the average waiting time of the ship has reduced a lot. Depending on the size of the ship, the capacity of the goods or cargo is more or less. Draft is also a big factor.
He said that the port authority is taking various initiatives to increase capacity. One of them is to encourage large ships. Many large container ships have already started arriving.
