The Chattogram Port Authority plans to reduce the number of vessels to help ease congestion

As congestion at Chattogram Port continues to worsen by the day, port operations are coming under increasing strain. In response, authorities have decided to cut the number of authorised container vessels by 15 in an effort to manage the pressure.

However, shipping industry stakeholders have pushed back against the move, arguing that reducing vessel numbers without addressing underlying infrastructure issues is not a sustainable solution. They warn that limiting vessels will hamper the port’s ability to handle growing import and export volumes.

Sources say that container ships are currently waiting up to 9–10 days at the outer anchorage before getting a berth, causing significant financial losses for shipping agents and damaging the port’s reputation. The decision to reduce vessel authorisations was made during a 20 July meeting between port officials and the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association. The association was asked to submit a revised list of vessels by 27 July but has not done so; instead, it has sent a letter urging the port authority to reconsider the decision.

Port insiders noted that the number of authorised container vessels at Chattogram Port rose from 96 at the start of 2025 to 118 due to a series of ad hoc approvals. When the number was lower, vessels typically waited only 1–2 days, and queue lengths remained manageable at 7–8 ships. Now, the increase in vessel numbers has led to severe backlogs.

The port currently has berthing capacity for 16 ships, of which 10 are reserved for container vessels. The rise in ship arrivals has exceeded this capacity, intensifying operational challenges.

In its letter, the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association warned that removing 15 vessels from service could reduce monthly handling capacity by 30,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), directly affecting the country’s trade. Association director Khairul Alam Sujon added that each ship is tied to long-term international contracts, which cannot be cancelled abruptly.

Chattogram Port Secretary Md Omar Faruq said a designated committee will begin evaluating the issue and will take a reasoned decision after reviewing all relevant factors.