Chattogram Port Deploys Fourth-Generation Terminal Automation: Eliminates Berthing Congestion and Smashes Global Turnaround Records

Serving as the vital maritime artery for over 90 percent of Bangladesh's international merchandise trade, the Port of Chattogram has achieved a historic operational milestone through the full deployment of a fourth-generation digital Terminal Operating System (TOS) and satellite-guided real-time container logistics. Comprehensive synchronization with the National Board of Revenue's ASYCUDA World customs platform has successfully eradicated outer anchorage vessel backlogs, enabling inbound container vessels to secure direct berthing immediately upon maritime pilotage.

Speaking at an operational review briefing, the Chairman of the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) announced that newly commissioned post-panamax ship-to-shore gantry cranes at the Patenga Container Terminal (PCT) and New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) have elevated handling velocity to over 35 moves per crane-hour. Average vessel turnaround intervals have plunged from four days down to a world-class benchmark of 1.8 days, eliminating demurrage surcharges and substantially reducing voyage operating expenses for global shipping consortia.

Leadership from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) enthusiastically commended the terminal breakthroughs. Exporters highlighted that expedited vessel turnarounds mitigate critical supply-chain risks, enabling apparel manufacturers to reliably satisfy stringent delivery lead times mandated by top European and North American retail brands. Fast-tracked import clearance simultaneously ensures industrial raw materials arrive on factory assembly lines without costly disruption.

Terminal perimeter security and institutional integrity have been fortified through integrated artificial intelligence CCTV networks and specialized non-intrusive inspection (NII) automated cargo scanners. These high-throughput systems scan outbound and inbound containers at full vehicular speeds, autonomously identifying anomalies and verifying customs declarations without manual physical tampering, thereby plugging fiscal leakage.

Maritime infrastructure specialists noted that this operational modernization lays a resilient structural foundation for Bangladesh's industrial ascendance. Combined with future deep-draft capabilities at the upcoming Bay Terminal and Matarbari Deep Seaport, Chattogram is rapidly evolving into a pivotal regional transshipment hub for South and Southeast Asia.