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DHAKA, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS) – The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has achieved historic milestones in all major performance indicators in the calendar year 2025, registering the highest-ever container, cargo and vessel handling in its history despite multiple logistical and other challenges.

The Chittagong Port, the country’s principal seaport, handles about 92 percent of Bangladesh’s total seaborne general cargo and nearly 98 percent of containerised imports and exports. According to CPA data, the port handled 3,409,069 TEUs of containers, 138,151,812 metric tons of cargo, and 4,273 vessels during January–December 2025.

Compared to 2024, container handling increased by 4.07 percent, cargo throughput rose by 11.43 percent, and vessel handling grew by 10.50 percent. In absolute terms, the port handled some 133,442 additional TEUs, 14.17 million more metric tons of cargo, and 406 more vessels than the previous year. Container handling crossed 3.4 million TEUs for the first time, marking the highest annual figure in the port’s history, said a press release.

Strong Growth in Cargo Handling:

Total cargo handling stood at 138.15 million metric tons, driven mainly by a 13.20 percent growth in bulk cargo, while container cargo increased by 6.02 percent. These figures reflect enhanced operational capacity and the port’s critical role in sustaining the national logistics chain and external trade.

Improved Operational Efficiency:

Despite challenges such as customs work stoppages, strikes and political uncertainty during 2025, Chittagong Port significantly reduced vessel waiting time. In the fourth quarter of the year, the port achieved zero vessel waiting time on multiple days—9 days in September, 18 days in October, and 26 days each in November and December—allowing vessels to berth immediately upon arrival.

During January–November 2025, the average vessel turnaround time was 2.53 days, while the average container dwell time stood at 9.44 days. This improved efficiency enabled importers and exporters to receive and ship goods more quickly, reducing overall port lead time. As a result, logistics costs are expected to decline, supporting export competitiveness—particularly for the readymade garments sector—and contributing to increased foreign exchange earnings.

Revenue and Financial Performance:

The seaport in Chattogram remains a key contributor to the national economy, with around 85 percent of its revenue generated from vessel services and cargo handling. In 2025, total revenue income reached Taka 5,460.18 crore, reflecting a 7.55 percent increase over the previous year. Revenue surplus rose to Taka 3,142.68 crore, up 7.51 percent year-on-year.

During the same period, CPA contributed Taka 1,804.47 crore to the government exchequer, making it one of the country’s largest revenue-generating public institutions.

An analysis of the past five financial years shows a steady rise in CPA’s contribution to the national treasury. Annual contributions increased from Taka 1,095.54 crore in the first year to Taka 1,829.45 crore in the fifth year, representing 14.77 percent growth in the latest year. Including payments under the Finance Act, municipal taxes and land development tax, CPA’s total contribution over five years stood at Taka 12,349.50 crore.

Financial Governance:

The CPA has also initiated the formulation of a Fund Management Policy to ensure fund security, reduce risk, maintain liquidity and maximise returns in line with legal provisions.

Digitalisation and Modernisation:

Significant progress was made in port digitalisation through the Terminal Operating System (TOS). The introduction of online e-gate pass issuance allows users to obtain gate passes 24/7 from anywhere, saving time and reducing congestion. A record 6,761 gate passes were issued in a single day on December 23.

Online bill generation and collection through banking portals have enhanced transparency, reduced fraud and advanced the goal of a paperless port.

Security and Safety:

The port security has been strengthened to international standards. In 2025, a two-day inspection by the US Coast Guard International Port Security (IPS) team resulted in a “zero observation” report—an unprecedented achievement in the port’s history. New fire safety standard operating procedures were also introduced, with support from the Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guard and Fire Service.

Capacity Expansion and Infrastructure Development:

To meet rising container volumes, CPA constructed 70,000 square metres of new yard space in 2025 and procured 35 handling equipment units, including forklifts. Additional projects funded from CPA’s own resources led to the procurement of 80 out of 81 planned equipment units.

Major infrastructure projects are underway as progress is ongoing on the Bay Terminal, envisioned as Bangladesh’s first green port, supported by World Bank financing.

Public-Private Partnerships and Human Resources:

As part of modern port management, CPA signed a 33-year concession agreement with Denmark-based APM Terminals BV for the Laldia Container Terminal under the PPP model, expected to become operational by mid-2029. A separate agreement was signed with a foreign operator for the management of Pangaon Inland Container Terminal.

On the social front, CPA maintained industrial harmony, recruited 175 new employees, promoted 1,072 staff, expanded housing facilities and undertook welfare initiatives, including education support for employees’ children.

The release said that the year 2025 marked a transformative phase for the seaport in Chittagong. Despite significant challenges, the port demonstrated resilience, efficiency and sustained growth, reinforcing its pivotal role in Bangladesh’s maritime trade and economic development. With continued modernisation and strategic investments, the Chattogram Port is set to further strengthen Bangladesh’s position in global trade.