Chittagong Port Overview 2025 – Bangladesh’s Largest and Busiest Seaport

Chittagong Port, officially known as Chattogram Port, is the largest and busiest seaport in Bangladesh, handling nearly 90% of the country’s import-export trade. As of 2025, it remains a major gateway for South Asia, connecting Bangladesh, India’s northeast, Nepal, and Bhutan with global markets.

Historical Background

Chittagong Port’s origins date back to the 4th century BC, appearing on Roman trade maps. Between the 9th and 15th centuries, it flourished as a key Arab and Mughal trading port. The Portuguese named it “Porte Grande” in the 16th century due to its strategic importance.
The modern port was officially established in 1887 under British rule, and after Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, the port expanded rapidly, evolving into a major regional maritime hub.

Geographical Location

• Position: Located on the Karnaphuli River estuary, about 11 km from the Bay of Bengal.
• Coordinates: 22.32°N, 91.80°E
• River System: The Karnaphuli River provides a deep, navigable channel for large vessels.
• Connectivity: Strong road & rail links to Chattogram city and all major industrial zones.

Key Highlights (2025 Update)

• Handles 3.1 million TEUs annually (2024–25).
• Supports 150,000+ jobs directly and indirectly.
• Primary gateway for RMG exports, bulk cargo, petroleum, and containerized shipments.
• Important transit route for India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
• Undergoing modernization aligned with Matarbari Deep Sea Port integration by 2026.

Tide & Navigation (2025)

• Tidal Range: 2.0 m to 5.5 m (semi-diurnal).
• Pilotage: Mandatory under CPA law.
• VHF Channels: 6, 12, 16 & 2182 kHz.
• Night Navigation: Allowed for vessels up to 170 m LOA.

Anchorage Zones

Draft Availability

• A Anchorage: 11.50 m
• B Anchorage: 9.50 m
• C Anchorage: 0.00 m
• Kutubdia Anchorage: 15–16 m (for large mother vessels)

Port Infrastructure & Facilities (2025)

Ocean-Going Vessel Facilities

Facility	Quantity	Purpose
General Cargo Berths	6	Mixed cargo, garments, machinery
Container Berths	11	Container handling
Dolphin Oil Jetty (POL)	3	Fuel & lubricants
Grain Silo Jetty	1	Food grain
Cement Clinker Jetty	1	Cement & clinker
TSP Jetty	1	Fertilizer
CUFL Jetty	1	Urea
KAFCO Jetty	1	Urea export
Ammonia Jetty	1	Liquid ammonia
Dry Dock Jetties	2	Vessel repairs
Mooring Berths	3	Temporary berthing

Total Facilities: 36

Inland Berthing

Facility	Qty	Purpose
POL Jetty	1	Oil
Grain Berth	1	Bulk grain
POL Pontoons	3	Fuel
Cement Pontoon	1	Cement
SPM (Oil Mooring)	19	Offshore oil handling

Total: 25

Cargo Handling Capabilities

Cargo Types

• Containers (modern gantry cranes, RTGs, straddle carriers)
• Bulk Cargo: Grain, clinker, cement, coal, fertilizer
• General Cargo: Machinery, iron, chemicals, cotton
• POL & Edible Oil
• RMG & Textiles (major export sector)

Supporting Facilities

• Warehouses & open yards
• Cold storage (for perishable exports)
• Container freight stations
• Mobile cranes, forklifts, grabs

Draft & LOA Restrictions

Location	Max Draft	Max LOA
Jetty	8.55 m	190 m
KDD Jetty	9.0 m	180 m
Anchorage	11.50 m	No limit

Operational & Environmental Details

Water Density (CPA Outer Anchorage)

Ranges from 1002–1012 kg/m³, varying with tides.

Salinity Levels

Location	Monsoon (g/L)	Dry Season (g/L)
Sadarghat	0.1–0.2	2.5–16.5
Patenga	0.15–3.3	10–27

Working Hours & Stevedoring

• Operations: 24/7/365
• Jetty Shifts: 3 shifts
• Anchorage Shifts: Continuous (breaks for meals)

Crane Capacity

• Port cranes: ≤2 MT
• Vessel cranes: Variable, used mostly for bulk
• Grab cranes: Available via stevedores

Customs Documentation (Updated for 2025)

Includes:

• Ship Registry
• Load Line & Safety Certificates
• ISPS, CSR, SMC
• Last Port Clearance
• Crew list (15 copies)
• Stores, bonded goods & bunker declarations
• Cargo gear register
• EPIRB testing report
• Stability plan (for container vessels)

Vessel Operations

Arrival Process (2025 Standard)

1. Proceed from Kutubdia to Alpha Anchorage following BA Chart 84.
2. Maintain contact with Port Control on VHF 12/16.
3. Arrive during high tide for optimal draft.

Discharging Rate

3000–5000 MT/day, depending on:

• Lighters/barges
• Weather
• Cargo type
• Crane availability

Weather Conditions (Arif Update 2025)

• March–May: Cyclones, storms, sudden squalls
• Vessels advised to maintain engines on standby

Congestion Status (2025)

• Port currently not congested (forecast clear for next 4 months).
• Immediate berthing available due to streamlined CPA–Customs coordination.

Taxes

• No freight tax
• Central bank tax applicable only on agency fee

Available Services

• Bunker fuel (IFO 180/380, MGO)
• Fresh water
• Provisions & spare parts
• Ship repair, dry dock, hot work permits
• Sludge & garbage removal with certificates
• Pilotage assistance (recommended for >9.5 m draft)
• Yokohama fenders during monsoon
• Draft survey, condition survey, off-hire survey
• Crew change, supply, and class workshop services

Max Draft at Berths (2025)

• General berth: 8.5 m
• NCT 03–05: 9.0 m

Distances

• Anchorage → Dry Dock: 3.5 NM
• Anchorage → Matarbari Jetty: 32 NM
• Anchorage → Dhaka (Kanchan): 250 NM
• Anchorage → Gazipur: 300 NM

Economic Impact (2025 Update)

• Annual Volume: 3.1M TEUs
• GDP Contribution: 2.5%
• Imports: Food grains, clinker, coal, sugar, fertilizer, POL, chemicals
• Exports: RMG, knitwear, jute goods, pharmaceuticals, frozen foods

Challenges & Mitigation

Challenge	Solution	Contact
Consignee delays	ASYCUDA pre-clearance	–
Lighter shortages	Pre-booking 72 hrs before	+8801748966655
Monsoon delays	Tug assistance + Yokohama fenders	CPA VHF 12

Regional Competitiveness (2025)

Port	Draft	TEUs (2024)	Strength
Chittagong	9.5 m	3.1M	Regional gateway, low tariff
Mongla	7.5 m	0.5M	Near Kolkata
Colombo	18 m	7.2M	Deep-sea hub

Sustainability & Innovation (2025 Roadmap)

• Green Port Policy activated
• Solar-powered terminals
• Mangrove restoration programs
• IMO 2020 fuel compliance
• Blockchain-based cargo tracking (2025 rollout)
• Integration with Matarbari Deep Sea Port (2026)