Ctg port expands container storage capacity by 10%

Highlights:

• Yard space was 53,518 TEUs as of 18 August
• Now the capacity rises to 59,000 TEUs
• CPA plans to raise capacity to 62,000 TEUs by year-end

The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) has increased container storage capacity by 10% at the country's main seaport, raising the overall yard space from 53,518 TEUs to 59,000 TEUs.

The authorities updated the data on 19 August, according to port officials. The move aims to ease congestion and ensure smoother trade operations, they said.

CPA Secretary Md Omar Faruk told TBS, "The initiative is part of the authorities' ongoing efforts to make the port more business-friendly and to provide maximum service to traders."

"With enhanced capacity, container congestion will not be an issue at the port. And operational efficiency and service indicators at Chattogram Port have significantly improved in recent months," he added.

As part of the expansion, several new yards have been constructed, and older facilities have been renovated. These include developments at the former auction yard, car storage area, baggage shed and X-Y Shed. With these additions, the port is now able to handle more containers than before.

The CPA also plans to raise capacity further to around 62,000 TEUs by the end of this year.

Currently, the port manages between 47,000 and 48,000 TEUs in storage without disruption, while daily container ship handling has risen from an average of 10 vessels to as many as 12 to 13. This has shortened delivery times for both imports and exports, contributing to reduced export lead times.

According to CPA officials, improved yard capacity has also enabled pre-stacking arrangements for around 6,000 export-oriented TEUs.

However, challenges remain, including delays in rail transport due to a shortage of locomotives, which has led to increased pressure on Dhaka ICD shipments.

Additionally, about 10,000 auctionable containers, along with another 2,000 destined for Dhaka ICD, are currently awaiting clearance.

Despite these pressures, officials said port operations remain stable. The average turnaround time for vessels has now improved to 2.58 days, while waiting times at the outer anchorage have dropped to just two days.

As of Thursday, only four container ships and one general cargo vessel were waiting to berth.

According to CPA data, there were 44,133 TEUs of containers at Chattogram Port yard on Friday.