Chittagong, Bangladesh
Chittagong is Bangladesh’s principal seaport and commercial gateway, driving the nation’s international trade.
Port Overview
The Port of Chittagong, officially known as Chattogram Port, is Bangladesh's largest and busiest seaport, located on the Karnaphuli River in southeastern Bangladesh. It handles approximately 90% of the country's export-import trade and serves as a critical transshipment hub for India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Ranked as the 58th busiest container port globally and the busiest on the Bay of Bengal, the port has an annual capacity exceeding 3.2 million TEUs. Its strategic position connects Bangladesh to major international shipping lines, making it essential for the nation's economy, which relies heavily on textile, garment, and pharmaceutical exports.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Chittagong Port features 14 container berths and 6 general cargo berths, supported by multiple private container terminals including New Mooring Terminal and Chittagong Container Terminal. The port operates specialized jetties for petroleum products, grain, cement, and fertilizers. Cargo handling equipment includes 4 quay gantry cranes with 45 MT capacity, 32 portal electric cranes, straddle carriers, mobile cranes ranging from 6-30 tons, and numerous forklifts. The port handles containers, bulk cargo, petroleum products, and general cargo with dedicated storage facilities and warehouses.
Container Terminals
Chittagong Port features multiple container terminals with a total capacity of approximately 2.2 million TEUs annually. The port has several berths dedicated to container handling, equipped with modern cranes and handling equipment. Major operators include private companies managing various terminals. Automation is being enhanced with digital technologies like automated container tracking and online customs clearance. However, the port faces challenges such as congestion and aging infrastructure.
Port Services
Main services at Chittagong Port include:
- Container Handling: Multiple container terminals manage import and export operations.
- Cargo Operations: Handling of various goods, including bulk cargo like coal and fertilizers.
- Ship Services: Pilotage, tugboat assistance, and oil bunkers.
- Warehousing: Storage facilities for goods awaiting clearance.
- Customs: Clearance services for imports and exports.
Global Connectivity
Chittagong, Bangladesh's primary port, connects to major markets through direct shipping routes to countries like Italy, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Turkey, China (Hong Kong), and the UK. It serves as a key hub for trade with India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Recently, Chittagong established a direct maritime link with Karachi, Pakistan, enhancing regional connectivity and trade potential. Sri Lanka's ports also play a role in facilitating transshipments between Chittagong and other global ports.
Port Statistics
Chittagong Port Statistics:
- TEU Throughput: Approximately 3.3 million TEUs annually.
- World Ranking: 68th globally.
- Number of Berths: The New Mooring Terminal has five berths.
- Area: Not specified.
- Shipping Lines: Multiple international lines operate through the port, though specific numbers are not detailed.
