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)
- Proceed from Kutubdia to Alpha Anchorage following BA Chart 84.
- Maintain contact with Port Control on VHF 12/16.
- 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)
