Dredging continues to boost activities at Mongla Port as ship arrivals rise in FY24

Mongla Port, the second-largest seaport in Bangladesh, has achieved remarkable progress in recent years as several mega projects have been undertaken to enhance the port's capacity.

One such, the ongoing dredging of the Pashur Channel, has already enabled larger ships to dock and after its completion, the port will be able to handle ships with a 10-metre draft, eventually increasing cargo capacity.

Currently, Mongla Port can accommodate 47 ships across its jetties, mooring buoys, and anchorage points. Navigation is supported by 69 strategically placed buoys, while facilities such as container handling equipment, reefer plug points, and expanded car parking have significantly improved operational efficiency.

According to the port authority, in the fiscal year 2023-24, the port witnessed a 2.30% rise in ship arrivals, alongside significant growth in cargo and container handling.  

In FY24, cargo handling grew by 9.72%, container throughput increased by 16.78%, and vehicle imports rose by 13%. 

The port has now targeted reaching an annual capacity of 1 crore 50 lakh tonnes of cargo and 400,000 TEUs of containers.

Established on 1 December 1950 in Chalna, Khulna, the port has been a cornerstone of the country's import-export trade, overcoming numerous challenges over the decades.  

Due to geographical factors, the port's operations were relocated to Mongla in Bagerhat in 1953. The first British commercial ship, The City of Lyons, anchored at Joymonir Ghol on the Pashur River in the Sundarbans, marking the start of the port's activities.  

In 1977, the port was transformed into an autonomous body named the Chalna Port Authority.  Later, in 1987, it was renamed the Mongla Port Authority

Established on 1 December 1950 in Chalna, Khulna, the port was transformed into an autonomous body named the Chalna Port Authority in 1977, and later renamed Mongla Port Authority in 1987 due to relocation. Photos: TBS

A regional trade hub  

After its establishment, maintaining navigability in the waterways emerged as one of its primary challenges. But, since the 1980s, several large-scale dredging operations were undertaken to revitalise the port's activities.

Sunday (1 December) marked 74 years of the establishment of the port and the day was celebrated with various programmes including hoisting of national flag during sunrise, rally, discussion and doa mahfil. 

At the celebration ceremony, the chief guest, Mongla Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Shaheen Rahman, handed over honorary crests among 32 MPA officials, employees and 29 Port users' organisations for their outstanding performances.

Rear Admiral Shaheen said, "Mongla Port has come a long way, and we have undertaken various initiatives to further enhance its capacity. With these advancements, the port is set to play a vital role in the region's import-export trade and economic development."