Bangladesh's Chattogram Port to Expand Capacity with New Bay Terminal by 2030

Chattogram Port in Bangladesh is poised for a substantial upgrade in its handling capacity with the upcoming operationalization of the Bay Terminal, slated for completion by 2030. Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam informed parliament that this new facility is expected to significantly alleviate congestion at the country's primary seaport and enhance the overall efficiency of container handling operations.

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The government’s planned Bay Terminal is expected to significantly enhance the capacity of Chattogram Port once it becomes operational by 2030.

The minister acknowledged that Chattogram Port's average vessel turnaround time for container handling, while improving, remains longer than that of major transshipment hubs like Colombo and Singapore. He explained that ports like Colombo and Singapore primarily function as transshipment points, where containers are transferred between vessels without extensive customs inspections or regulatory formalities. In contrast, Chattogram Port serves mainly as a feeder port, processing nearly all containers linked to Bangladesh's import and export trade, which necessitates thorough customs clearance procedures that extend processing times.

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Those ports mainly function as transshipment hubs. At those ports, containers are transferred between vessels without the need for customs inspection, clearance procedures, or other regulatory formalities.

Despite these challenges, the port authority has been actively pursuing modernization initiatives. These include the installation of new equipment and improvements in operational management, which have already contributed to reducing turnaround times. The recent commencement of operations at the Patenga Container Terminal in June 2024 has further bolstered efficiency, reportedly reducing vessel waiting times at Chattogram Port to near zero.

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Chattogram Port, however, operates primarily as a feeder port. Nearly all containers handled are linked to Bangladesh’s import and export trade, requiring customs inspections and clearance procedures, which extend processing time.

These developments underscore Bangladesh's commitment to enhancing its maritime infrastructure to support growing trade volumes. The planned Bay Terminal, in particular, represents a significant investment aimed at transforming Chattogram Port into a more competitive and efficient gateway for regional and international trade, although its operational model will continue to differ from pure transshipment hubs.

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Operations at the Patenga Container Terminal began in June 2024, adding that vessel waiting time at Chattogram Port has since fallen to nearly zero.