For the first time in its 138-year history, Chattogram Port has achieved the highest-ever revenue income and operating surplus. In the 2025 fiscal year, after meeting all operational expenses, the port recorded a revenue surplus of approximately Tk 3,143 crore, the highest in its history.
According to data from the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA), the port generated a total revenue of Tk 5,460.18 crore in FY2025, while total expenditure stood at Tk 2,317.50 crore. This resulted in a net surplus of Tk 3,142.68 crore.
The port’s financial performance has shown steady growth over the past five fiscal years. Revenue surplus stood at Tk 2,923.17 crore in 2024, Tk 2,143.11 crore in 2023, Tk 1,734.20 crore in 2022, and Tk 1,633.26 crore in 2021. Between 2021 and 2025, average annual revenue growth was 13.08%, while surplus growth averaged 18.42%. During the same period, expenditure growth was kept comparatively low at 7.59%.
Over the last five fiscal years, the Chattogram Port Authority deposited a total of Tk 7,580.20 crore into the national treasury through VAT, taxes, and non-tax revenues.
Port users attribute the record revenue to several operational improvements. SM Abu Taiyab, President of the International Business Forum Chattogram, cited expanded port channel limits, the ability to berth deeper-draft vessels, increased import-export demand, the addition of modern equipment, and recruitment of new customs personnel, all of which accelerated port operations and boosted revenue.
Despite the progress, business leaders caution that multiple challenges remain. Former FBCCI Director Aminul Haque noted that foreign vessels still face prolonged waiting times, development of the Bay Terminal remains slow, and a prompt decision is needed regarding the operator of the NCT Terminal. He also pointed to recent incidents of human trafficking via empty containers as a sign of security gaps, though he acknowledged that overall performance has improved significantly in the last fiscal year.
CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman stated that the port continues to contribute substantially to the national treasury each year and still has scope for further operational enhancement. He confirmed that contracts have been signed with foreign firms for the Laldia Terminal, discussions with the World Bank are ongoing to expedite Bay Terminal breakwater construction, and a decision on the NCT Terminal is expected within the current year.
The Patenga Container Terminal, currently operated by a Saudi company, has seen increased capacity following the addition of modern equipment toward the end of the last fiscal year.
Industry stakeholders have also stressed the importance of stricter cost control. Parvez Ahmed, Managing Director of Mutual Group, highlighted that expenditure growth has remained in single digits over the last two years, although it reached 10.18% in 2023. He emphasized the need to further improve service quality alongside cost discipline.
Established on April 25, 1887, Chattogram Port is now connected to 110 countries worldwide. To align with international standards, the port has introduced automation across departments and is implementing a paperless system through 50 software modules.
According to CPA Director (Administration) Mohammad Omar Faruk, container vessels now berth within one to two days of arriving at the outer anchorage, supported by on-arrival berthing facilities that have accelerated import-export operations.
Recently, the port limit was expanded from 7 nautical miles to 62 nautical miles, and two modern container scanners were procured. Future plans include handling vessels up to 210 meters in length with a 10.5-meter draft. Once the Bay Terminal and the Matarbari Deep Sea Port in Maheshkhali are completed, Chattogram Port’s capacity is expected to increase three to four times.
The port’s development has also positively impacted exports. Previously, Europe-bound garment containers took 28–30 days and cost around USD 20,000 via transshipment hubs. With the introduction of direct shipping services to Europe, both transit time and costs have been reduced, leading to higher container handling volumes.
In the latest fiscal year, Chattogram Port handled over 3.4 million containers, the highest annual figure in its 138-year history.
Overall, stakeholders believe that if infrastructure development, security enhancement, terminal management decisions, and vessel congestion issues are addressed effectively, Chattogram Port will be well-positioned to achieve even greater revenue growth in the future.
Key Information
Highest surplus in history: Tk 3,142.68 crore in FY2025
Total revenue (FY2025): Tk 5,460.18 crore
Total expenditure (FY2025): Tk 2,317.50 crore
Average revenue growth (2021–2025): 13.08%
Average surplus growth (2021–2025): 18.42%
Average expenditure growth: 7.59%
Deposited to national treasury (last 5 years): Tk 7,580.20 crore
Record container handling: Over 3.4 million containers in one year
Port connectivity: Linked with 110 countries
Operational improvements:
Expanded port limit from 7 to 62 nautical miles
Ability to handle deeper-draft vessels
On-arrival berthing facilities
Automation and paperless systems (50 software modules)
Major projects underway:
Laldia Terminal (contract signed)
Bay Terminal (World Bank-supported)
NCT Terminal decision expected
Patenga Terminal capacity expanded
Future capacity outlook:
Ability to berth 210m-long vessels
Capacity expected to increase 3–4 times after Bay Terminal and Matarbari Deep Sea Port completion
Key challenges:
Vessel congestion
Slow progress on Bay Terminal
Terminal management decisions
Security concerns (empty container misuse)
>> Chattogram Port Posts Highest Revenue in 138 Years, Surplus Tops Tk 3,000 Crore
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