Chattogram Port, often hailed as the lifeline of Bangladesh’s economy, is set for major capacity enhancements amid growing international trade opportunities, foreign operator to manage the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) would significantly boost the port’s efficiency and revenue, according to Rear Admiral SM Moinul Islam (Retd), Chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Shaheed Md. Fazlur Rahman Munshi Auditorium on the occasion of the 138th Port Day, the Chairman highlighted the pivotal role of the port in the country’s economic expansion. He attributed new avenues of opportunity to several international trade agreements and investments secured through recent business summits.
“To sustain our competitiveness in the global market, the port’s capacity must be enhanced,” he emphasized. “By 2029, we aim to handle 5 million TEUs annually. Construction has already begun on terminal and bay-terminal infrastructure at the Matarbari Deep Sea Port, which is expected to be operational by 2029.”
Highlighting ongoing collaboration between the port and customs, Moinul Islam noted faster auction processes and the establishment of a reefer container yard and cold storage facility with funding from USAID. He also stressed the importance of automation and digitization, revealing plans to implement a full digital system, including e-ticketing and a maritime single window, by June 2025.
“Chattogram Port will soon emerge as a green maritime corridor,” he said. “With Matarbari, Bay Terminal, and Laldia projects, we’re also working toward green port initiatives. Once operational, these terminals will open new shipping routes.”
On employment, the Chairman announced the promotion of 663 staff and recruitment of 363 new employees. Two high-capacity dredgers will also be purchased to maintain the 16-meter draft required for larger vessels.
Referring to Matarbari as a “game-changer” for the national economy, he shared that on April 22, the Chattogram Port Authority signed a construction contract with Japan’s Penta Ocean Construction Company and Toa Corporation for the development of two jetties under Package-1 of the Matarbari Deep Sea Port project.
“Our vision is to transform Matarbari into a regional transshipment hub,” Moinul Islam concluded. “The Chattogram Port Authority is working tirelessly to turn that vision into reality.”
This expansion reflects Bangladesh’s ambition to enhance its global trade footprint while modernizing its maritime infrastructure to meet future demands.
