Bangladesh targets 2029 for slashing Chittagong port turnaround times to half-day efficiency
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Bangladesh aims to slash container turnaround times at the Chittagong Port to half a day by 2029 through a comprehensive modernization strategy, according to State Minister for Shipping Sheikh Rabiul Alam. Addressing a parliamentary session presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Wednesday, the minister outlined a roadmap to resolve persistent port congestion and elevate Chittagong to the operational efficiency standards of major regional hubs like Singapore and Colombo.
Responding to queries from lawmaker Shahjahan Chowdhury regarding the current efficiency gap, the minister explained that while Chittagong currently averages 2.1 days for container handling, the disparity between it and transshipment hubs is structural. Unlike Singapore and Colombo, which primarily function as transit points where cargo is moved between vessels without the need for extensive customs intervention, Chittagong acts as a feeder port. The vast majority of its throughput is tied to direct national import-export clearance processes, which inherently require more time.
বিজ্ঞাপন
The government is betting on the full integration of new infrastructure—including the Patenga Container Terminal, the Laldia project, and the multi-phase Bay Terminal—to neutralize existing bottlenecks by 2030. The Patenga terminal, which began operations in June 2023 under the management of Saudi Arabia-based Red Sea Gateway Terminal, has already seen success in eliminating wait times for incoming vessels, according to official figures presented in the legislature.
Strategic development for the remaining facilities is also moving forward. Authorities have entered into memoranda of understanding to attract foreign expertise, with DP World currently in discussions regarding the management of Bay Terminal-2. Plans for Bay Terminal-3 are being developed for implementation under the direct oversight of the Bangladesh government and the port authority.
বিজ্ঞাপন
During the debate, the legislative body emphasized the necessity of foreign private sector involvement to ensure international operational standards. While clarifying that the Patenga facility is operated by Saudi interests, the shipping ministry underscored that successful deployment of these planned terminals would fundamentally transform Chittagong into a high-performance logistics gateway capable of competing with the most efficient ports in the region within the next five years.
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