All Other Bangladesh Ports, Bangladesh

Port Overview

Bangladesh’s other ports, beyond Chittagong and Mongla, include Payra (a developing deep-sea port in Patuakhali), Matarbari (under construction in Chittagong), and numerous inland and land ports such as Pangaon, Dhaka, Benapole, and Teknaf. These ports are strategically located along key river routes and borders, supporting regional trade with India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. While individually smaller and less ranked globally, collectively they play a vital role in national logistics. Annual TEU capacity for these ports is modest, with Pangaon handling around 116,000 TEU, while others primarily facilitate bulk and general cargo.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Other Bangladesh ports include Mongla, Payra, Pangaon Inland Container Terminal, and Barisal River Port. Mongla specializes in bulk cargo with eco-friendly operations and a free trade zone. Payra is an emerging deep-sea port handling coal, grain, and LNG, with ongoing infrastructure upgrades. Pangaon offers a 55,000 sq m container yard, 3,500 TEU storage, and can berth two ships simultaneously. Facilities feature container terminals, bulk cargo berths, cranes, and basic container handling equipment. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are not widely deployed.

Container Terminals

Other than Chattogram, Bangladesh’s main container terminals include Mongla Port, Pangaon Inland Container Terminal, and the under-construction Matarbari Deep Sea Port. Mongla has 6 berths, handles over 21,000 TEUs annually, and is semi-automated. Pangaon has 2 berths, a 116,000 TEU capacity, and basic mechanization. Matarbari will be fully automated. Major operators include the Mongla Port Authority and, for Pangaon, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority.

Port Services

Main Services at All Other Bangladesh Ports

• Container Handling: Loading, unloading, and storage of containers using specialized equipment such as quay cranes, rubber-tyred gantry cranes, and straddle carriers.
• Cargo Operations: Onshore and offshore handling of bulk, breakbulk, and general cargo, including transshipment between vessels and barges.
• Ship Services: Vessel berthing and unberthing, pilotage, tug assistance, and provision of utilities (water, power, bunkering).
• Warehousing: Secure storage facilities for import/export cargo, including refrigerated and dry storage options.
• Customs Clearance: Facilitation of customs procedures, documentation, and inspection for both imports and exports.

These services are essential for efficient port operations, supporting Bangladesh’s trade and economic growth.

Global Connectivity

All Other Bangladesh Ports, including Dhaka, Narayanganj, Barisal, Pangaon, Aricha Ghat, and riverine terminals, provide vital inland connectivity across Bangladesh and to neighboring Indian states such as West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura. These ports serve central, northern, and southern regions, linking with major seaports like Chittagong, Mongla, and Payra. Key shipping routes connect Bangladesh’s hinterland to Kolkata, Haldia, and other Indian ports, supporting regional trade and transit to broader South Asian markets.

Port Statistics

All Other Bangladesh Ports (excluding Chattogram and Mongla) handle a relatively small share of national container traffic. Combined TEU throughput is approximately 21,500 TEUs annually. These ports are not ranked in the global top 100. Berth numbers are limited, typically 1–3 per port, with modest port areas focused on regional trade. Major international shipping lines rarely call directly; most cargo is transshipped via Chattogram or Mongla. Facilities primarily serve coastal and feeder operations.