The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) handled a record 3.52 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers in the 2025-26 fiscal year, while cargo throughput, vessel calls and revenue also reached new highs, reflecting continued growth in the country's busiest seaport.

According to CPA statistics released today (30 June), the port handled 3,518,841 TEUs during FY2025-26, up 6.76% from 3,296,067 TEUs in the previous fiscal year. Container handling has increased by more than 350,000 TEUs over the past two years from 3,168,690 TEUs recorded in FY2023-24.

Cargo handling also reached a record 137.74 million tonnes in FY2025-26, marking a 5.36% increase from 130.72 million tonnes a year earlier.

In FY2023-24, the port handled 123.24 million tonnes of cargo.

The number of vessel calls rose to 4,324 in FY2025-26 from 4,077 in the previous year, a 6.06% increase. Vessel arrivals stood at 3,971 in FY2023-24.

The authority also reported improved operational efficiency, with the average turnaround time for container vessels falling to 2.38 days in FY2025-26 from 2.58 days a year earlier.

Financially, the port continued its upward trajectory. Revenue increased to Tk6,629 crore in FY2025-26 from Tk5,366 crore in FY2024-25 and around Tk4,830 crore in FY2023-24, according to the CPA.

The authority said the latest performance reflects growing trade volumes, improved operational efficiency and the impact of ongoing infrastructure development and modernisation initiatives.

Confirming the record, CPA Member (Marine and Harbour) Commodore Ahmed Amin Abdullah told The Business Standard, "The authority had significantly reduced operating expenditure despite inflationary pressures and the impact of global geopolitical tensions."

He said operating expenditure has been brought down to around Tk1,951 crore in FY2025-26 from Tk2,388 crore in the previous fiscal year, generating savings of at least Tk437 crore.

"The expenditure reduction was achieved without compromising port operations, despite rising market inflation and higher operating costs caused by the prevailing global situation," he added.

Industry analysts say the continued growth in cargo and container handling highlights Chattogram Port's expanding role in Bangladesh's external trade and strengthens its position as a key maritime gateway in the Bay of Bengal.

They note that continued investment in deeper navigation channels, new terminals and digitalisation will be essential to sustaining growth as the country's import and export volumes continue to rise.