Mongla Port Overview 2025 – Full Guide to Bangladesh’s Second Largest Seaport
Introduction
Mongla Port, Bangladesh’s rapidly expanding second-largest seaport, is strategically positioned in the Bagerhat District, about 48 km south of Khulna. Located near the confluence of the Pasur River and the Bay of Bengal, it plays a vital role in facilitating international trade. The port handles a wide range of cargo including bulk commodities, containers, project cargo, and vehicles. Its significance continues to grow as infrastructure improvements help reduce pressure on Chittagong Port.
Strategic Location & Regional Connectivity
Situated on the east bank of the Pasur River, 71 nautical miles upstream from the Bay of Bengal, Mongla Port enjoys natural protection from the Sundarbans (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Key connectivity advantages:
- Enhanced regional trade with India, Nepal, and Bhutan
- Improved logistics through the Padma Bridge
- Bangladesh–India Coastal Shipping Agreement
- Ongoing rail-link and terminal expansion (expected completion: 2026–2027)
These developments position Mongla as a rising trade gateway in South Asia.
Operational Capabilities & Infrastructure (2025 Update)
Draft & Vessel Capacity
- Maximum allowable draft: 8.5 meters (tidal variations: 2.5–5.5 m)
- Vessel length capacity: up to 200 meters LOA
- DWT handling capability: 30,000–40,000 tons
Infrastructure Developments
- Capital dredging of the Pasur Channel underway, targeting 10 m depth by 2026
- Jetty No. 9 completed in 2023
- New container terminal under development, projected to handle 500,000+ TEUs by 2027
- Significant upgrades in handling equipment, storage, and digital operations
Navigational & Tidal Information
- Vessels with 6.0–9.5 m draft can berth at anchorages, mooring buoys, and jetties
- Maximum vessel LOA allowed: 225 m (night navigation allowed up to 150 m LOA)
- Tides: Semi-diurnal, range 2.5–5.5 m
- Pilotage mandatory for vessels over 100 m LOA
- Pilots board at Hiron Point or Fairway Buoy
- Channel marked with 64 lighted buoys
Hydrographic & Anchorage Details
- Depth varies 5.9–17.0 m (LLWD) across anchorage zones
- Outer bar crossing depends heavily on tidal conditions
- Fairway Buoy to Mongla Jetty distance: 71 nautical miles
- Hiron Point anchorage available for vessels awaiting tide windows
- Continuous dredging enhances safety and vessel size accommodation
Cargo Handling & Traffic (2024–2025)
- Total cargo handled in 2024: 14.5 million tons (10% growth from 2023)
- Major cargoes:
- Cement clinker, gypsum, fertilizer
- Coal, food grains
- Steel, vehicles
- Growing jute and RMG exports
- Vessels with up to 9.5 m draft navigate year-round; 10.5 m draft vessels permitted during spring tides in monsoon season
- Real-time tide & navigation updates introduced online in 2025
Maximum Vessel Size & Cargo Types (2025)
Vessel Size Limits
| Category | LOA | Draft |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | 200 m | 8.5 m |
| Breakbulk | 170 m | 7.5 m |
| Containers | 170 m | 7.5 m |
| Bulk | 183 m | 6.5 m |
| Tankers | 120 m | 5.5 m |
| Gas Carriers | 120 m | 6.0 m |
Cargo Types
- Bulk: Cement clinker, fertilizer, coal, gypsum, wheat
- Breakbulk/Project: Steel products, machinery, construction equipment
- Container: General exports/imports, RMG
- Vehicles: RoRo, brand-new and reconditioned
- Bunkering: Limited bunkering (MGO, IFO) via barges; advance notice required
Logistics Support & Access
- Airports: Jessore Domestic (112 km), Chittagong International (180 km)
- Digitalization:
- Online vessel booking, ETA tracking, and documentation system launched January 2025
- Marine Charts:
- Digital: BD307425, BD407426, BD57451A/B, BD57452A/B
- Paper: BA IN351, US 63320
- Publications: NP21 (Bay of Bengal Pilot)
Green Port Initiatives (2025–2026)
Mongla Port Authority (MPA) is implementing sustainability measures:
- Solar-powered cranes (installation by 2026)
- Reduced carbon footprint through cleaner power systems
- Waste management & water treatment upgrades
