Chattogram Port hits record highs in container, cargo, and vessel handling in 2025

Business Report :

Chattogram Port has posted its strongest-ever operational performance, setting new records in container, cargo, and vessel handling in 2025 a milestone officials say reaffirms its central role in Bangladesh’s economic engine.
Fresh data released by the traffic department of the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Thursday shows that container handling grew 4.07 percent year-on-year, cargo handling climbed 11.43 percent, and vessel traffic expanded by 10.5 percent.

First time above 34 lakh TEUs
The port handled 34.09 lakh TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers between January and December 2025 the first time annual volumes have surpassed 34 lakh TEUs since container operations began in 1977. This represents an increase of 1.33 lakh TEUs from last year’s 32.75 lakh TEUs.

Among the total, import-laden containers accounted for 18.57 lakh TEUs, export containers for 15.52 lakh TEUs, while empty containers made up around 7.5 lakh TEUs. The tally includes movements through the port’s key facilities its main jetties, Pangaon Inland Container Terminal (Keraniganj), and Kamalapur Inland Container Depot (Dhaka).

Cargo volume continues to surge
Overall cargo handling reached 13.82 crore tonnes in 2025, up from 12.40 crore tonnes a year earlier a remarkable jump of 1.42 crore tonnes.
Additionally, vessel calls increased to 4,273, marking strong growth from 3,867 vessels in 2024. The increase reflects improvements in berth availability, navigational efficiency, and faster turnaround times.

Handling roughly 92 percent of the country’s export-import trade and 98 percent of its containerised shipments, Chattogram Port remains the backbone of Bangladesh’s logistics network.

Port officials said the latest performance figures underscore not only rising demand in foreign trade but also the effectiveness of ongoing operational enhancements including digitalisation, improved yard management, and new handling equipment.

They added that several mega infrastructure projects including Bay Terminal development, Patenga Container Terminal efficiency upgrades, and enhanced rail connectivity are expected to further boost capacity and reduce congestion in the coming years.
Outlook
Economists note that sustained growth at Chattogram Port is vital to supporting Bangladesh’s export competitiveness, especially in sectors like garments, which heavily rely on fast and reliable logistics.
With foreign trade gradually strengthening amid global economic stabilisation, stakeholders believe the port will continue setting new benchmarks as long as expansion work stays on track.