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CHATTOGRAM, July 1, 2026 (BSS) - Chattogram Port, the country’s prime overseas trade gateway, has once again achieved 'zero waiting time', resulting in a complete reduction of waiting time for ships at the outer anchorage. 

This development has restored import-export operations as the turnaround time for vessels has decreased. Concurrently, the nation's key seaport has established several new benchmarks in container, cargo, and ship handling, as well as in revenue generation and operational efficiency for the just outgoing fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26). 

The port authority reported that substantial advancements have been made across all metrics aimed at evolving Chattogram Port into a world-class smart port, featuring 100% e-gate access, paperless services, real-time digital operations, and advanced cybersecurity measures. 

Talking to BSS, Omar Faruk, the Director of Administration at Chattogram Port Authority (CPA), said during the FY26, the port managed a total of 3,531,118 TEUs of containers, reflecting a 7.13 percent increase compared to the previous fiscal year. "Simultaneously, 138,072,826 tonnes of cargo were processed, marking a growth of 5.62 percent. Besides, ship handling rose to 4,336, which is a 6.35 percent increase from the prior year. The port authority also claimed that there has been notable success in financial metrics, the source added.

He said in the current fiscal year, the revenue income reached Tk 6, 629.17 crore, while the revenue surplus was Tk 4, 355.21 crore.

Additionally, a tax payment of Tk 960.04 crore was made to the government, the sources said. Simultaneously, the after-tax revenue surplus was recorded at Tk 3, 395.17 crore, marking a new milestone in the financial capabilities of the port. 

Omar Faruk said the average duration of container ship stays has decreased from 2.58 days to 2.38 days. Consequently, the waiting time for ships has been reduced by approximately 7.75 percent, leading to lower operating costs for shipping companies and enhancing the dynamism of import and export activities.

 Md. Nasir Uddin, Acting Secretary of CPA, said that as part of the digital transformation initiative, a 100 percent e-gate pass system has been implemented at all port gates. Furthermore, various services such as e-Delivery Order (e-DO), online NOC, e-Challan, Cart Ticket, and One-Stop Documentation have transitioned to a completely paperless format, he added.

 Additionally, a direct information exchange system between NBR's Esquada World and the port's Port Operation System (TOS) has been established, facilitating faster and more transparent import and export processes, the source added.

 Besides, the launch of an integrated digital platform named 'CPA Sky' has unified all relevant stakeholders, including customs, banks, shipping agents, and C&F agents, onto a single platform, port sources said.  Nasir Uddin said the CPA has also implemented advanced cybersecurity measures to safeguard port operation information and digital infrastructure. 

The port authority reported that after overcoming various challenges, Chattogram Port has successfully achieved 'zero waiting time' once again. 

“As a result, the waiting time for ships at the outer anchorage has been reduced to zero, enabling swift unloading and loading of goods. This efficiency reduces the time and costs for shipping companies, allowing importers to receive goods promptly and exporters to dispatch goods in a timely manner,” he said.

The port authority indicated that this achievement has been sustained by maintaining operations around the clock, even during the Eid holidays. The announcement also underscored notable advancements in security measures. Chattogram Port attained 'zero observation' during the international inspection conducted by the US Coast Guard.

 Concurrently, surveillance and security have been enhanced through collaboration with the Navy, Coast Guard, Naval Police, and other law enforcement agencies, leading to a significant decrease in incidents of robbery and theft at the outer anchorage.

In terms of future objectives, the Chattogram Port Authority aims to elevate cargo handling to 307 million tonnes and container handling to 8.7 million TEUs by the year 2040, as reported by sources. To achieve this target, plans have been initiated to construct a new container terminal, a bay terminal, a heavy lift cargo jetty, and multipurpose transport infrastructure. 

According to CPA sources, the financial and operational success anticipated for the fiscal year 2025-26 reflects the port's robust, transparent, and efficient management. 

By reducing ship dwell times, increasing revenue surplus, and implementing 100% paperless digital services, a more reliable and profitable environment for trade partners has been established, he said. Additionally, efforts to transform Chattogram Port into a world-class smart port will persist, as noted  by acting port secretary.