Chattogram Port eyes rent hike as empty container surge disrupts operations

Chattogram Port is facing operational disruptions due to an unusual rise in the number of empty containers stored in its yard, prompting the authorities to consider a rent increase to curb the problem.

According to a notification issued by the Chattogram Port Authority on Wednesday, the number of empty containers has surpassed the yard's storage capacity several times over. This overflow is causing delays in key operations, particularly in the delivery of imported FCL (full container load) goods and in stacking and storing newly unloaded containers, it noted.

The notice attributed the growing congestion to a slowdown in the timely removal or transfer of empty containers to off-docks. "As a result, providing timely services in import and export operations is becoming increasingly difficult," the notification stated.

To address the issue, the Port Authority warned that it may enforce a higher rate of store rent on empty containers, if the situation does not improve by 7 August. Until then, the Port Authority will closely monitor the status of empty container removal.

In a bid to ensure smoother operations and faster service for importers, the Port Authority urged all stakeholders to take immediate measures to remove empty containers from the yard.

As per current port regulations, store rent for empty containers is charged at $6 per TEU for the first 7 days, $12 per TEU from the 8th to the 20th day, and $24 per TEU per day thereafter.

The same rates apply to cargo containers, but charges begin four days after landing. However, since March 2025, the Port Authority has been imposing a quadruple store rent on cargo containers in a bid to reduce congestion.

Port Secretary Md Omar Faruk told TBS that typically, empty containers constitute around 10% of all containers in the port. "That number has spiked significantly in recent weeks. If necessary, the Port Authority has the power to increase the current store rent up to four times."

As of today, the port yard had a total of 39,785 TEUs stored against its maximum capacity of 53,518 TEUs. Among these, 5,550 were empty containers – up from 4,158 TEUs just a month ago.

Under normal operations, containers carrying imported goods are sent from the port to 19 private inland container depots (ICDs) in Chattogram. Additionally, LCL (less than container load) containers are also dispatched to these off-docks. However, the current slowdown in empty container transfer has strained this system.