Chattogram Port is facing a slowdown in unloading operations as imports of consumer goods rise ahead of Ramadan, creating pressure on port logistics and inland supply chains.
According to port sources, around 2.346 million tonnes of goods are currently anchored at the port’s outer anchorage on 46 vessels. As of last Thursday, only about 1.1 million tonnes had been unloaded, leaving roughly 1.2 million tonnes still waiting.
The waiting cargo includes essential consumer items. Twenty-five ships are carrying large quantities of wheat, while seven vessels are loaded with pulses such as chickpeas, lentils and peas. Another nine ships are transporting oilseeds. Port officials say unloading is progressing, but not fast enough to clear the backlog.
On average, 50,000 to 60,000 tonnes of cargo are transferred daily from large vessels to lighter ships. These lighter ships then carry the goods to various river ports and wharves for unloading.
However, port users say the process is being delayed because many importers lack adequate warehouse facilities. As a result, lighter ships often remain stuck at wharves for extended periods.
The Bangladesh Water Transport Coordination Cell (WTCC) said 265 lighter ships have been waiting at different wharves across the country for more than a month and a half, including 122 vessels carrying consumer goods. The total number of operational lighter ships has fallen to 1,022, down from about 1,200 earlier.
Mezbah Uddin, manager of MST Marine Enterprise, said many importers are unable to unload goods quickly due to storage shortages. “This congestion may delay the supply of essential items to the market,” he warned.
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