Despite political unrest earlier in the year and recurrent floods, Chittagong Port has witnessed a record-breaking year in 2024, registering a 7.42% growth in container handling compared to 2023.
Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority, disclosed the information on Wednesday during a visit to port activities.
The port handled a total of 3.276 million containers and 123.9 million tons of goods during the year. Cargo handling also saw a 3.11% growth.
“Chittagong Port has achieved the highest volume of container and cargo handling in its history in 2024,” Moniruzzaman said.
Besides, the port recorded a revenue income of Tk5,055.99 crore, a 21.39% increase from the previous year’s Tk4,165.18 crore. The revenue surplus stood at Tk2,948.97 crore, marking a 37.60% rise compared to the previous year’s Tk2,143.10 crore.
The revenue expenditure was Tk2,107.2 crore, which is 4.20% less than last year’s Tk2,202.8 crore.
Sources said Chittagong Port, ranked 67th among the world’s 100 busiest ports, has been facing several challenges in recent years.
The ongoing dollar crisis led to restrictions on luxury goods imports, slowing container and cargo handling at the port.
In 2023, container handling dropped to 305,000 tons, while cargo volume fell to 122 million tons.
Moreover, the student-led movement in July and August this year and devastating floods in September further impacted the country’s economy.
