Ctg port to be fully automated by 26 June: CPA chairman

Chattogram Port, the principal gateway for Bangladesh's maritime trade, is set to become fully automated by 26 June, Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA), said today (24 April).

The Bay Terminal and Matarbari Deep Sea Port are slated to be developed as green ports, he said. "This environmentally conscious approach is anticipated to reduce shipping fares and insurance costs for international vessels, a move projected to significantly bolster the national economy."

During an exchange of views meeting with journalists in the city on the occasion of the port's 138th anniversary on 25 April, the CPA chairman outlined ambitious modernisation plans aimed at transforming the facility into a world-class hub.   

Key initiatives include the implementation of a modern port ecosystem, a port community system, and enhanced digitalisation. Currently, 80% of port operations are being transitioned to a digital documentation system to streamline processes.

Moniruzzaman highlighted ongoing international collaborations, noting partnerships with PSA Singapore and DP World for the construction of Container Terminal-1 and Terminal-2 at the Bay Terminal. The Development Project Proposal (DPP) for the Bay Terminal received approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on 20 April.

In a further significant development, the CPA signed an agreement with the World Bank on 22 April for the construction of a breakwater in the Bay Terminal channel, a project hailed as a historic milestone with long-lasting benefits for the nation.

The CPA chairman emphasised that foreign investment is flowing into the port to support operations across various terminals, including the Bay Terminal. "This influx of capital is expected to pave the way for the launch of new shipping routes connected to Chattogram Port."

Terming Chattogram Port as the main engine of the country's growth, he said, "With new trade agreements and investment prospects emerging, the port's capacity must expand to meet future demand."

He projected that within the next five years, Chattogram Port will need to handle up to 5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers annually. To support this growth, agreements have been made to construct terminals at the Matarbari Deep Sea Port, which is expected to begin operations by 2029.

During the meeting, the CPA chairman reported that in the first nine months (July–March) of the fiscal year 2024-25, exports through Chittagong Port amounted to $37.19 billion — 85% of the country's total exports. Container handling at the port increased by 5.01%, while general cargo handling rose by 5.96% compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year, he said.

He also highlighted the employment potential of future developments, particularly in the Cox's Bazar region, which he envisions transforming into a hub like Singapore. "Investors are ready — they want security, trust, and a favourable environment," he noted.

Discussing the need for a free trade zone in Chattogram, Moniruzzaman argued that such a move could generate $10–12 billion in annual revenue. "We're the largest cotton-consuming country. A free trade zone would help save foreign exchange in the textile sector. With an airport, seaport, and industrial zone already in place, Chittagong is the ideal location."

Chattogram Port began its formal journey on 25 April 1888, following the enactment of the Port Commissioners Act by the British-Indian Government in 1887. Since then, 25 April has been observed annually as "Port Day."