CHATTOGRAM, April 7, 2026 (BSS) - Chattogram Port has shown progress in container and cargo handling over the last three months, despite challenges such as Middle East tensions.  Authorities report significant growth in container transport, cargo handling, and ship arrivals at the port from July to March of the current fiscal year. According to Chattogram Port sources, 799,000 containers were handled at the port from January to March 2026, compared to 795,000 in the same period last year, showing an increase of 3,845 containers.  The total cargo handling in the first nine months of the 2025-26 fiscal year was 104.298,658 tons, which is 7.39 percent more than the same period in the previous fiscal year, according to the latest data from the port authority. During this period, 3,230 ships arrived at the port, marking a 5.62% increase compared to the same period in the 2024-25 fiscal year. Notably, there was a significant 21.11% growth in October 2025 alone, which has injected new energy into port activities. The growth is attributed to the stable economy, resolution of the dollar crisis, and the rise in imports of fuel, wheat, and industrial raw materials. Authorities also noted a decrease in the average ship stay at the port and a reduction in waiting time at outer anchorages to zero. Chattogram Port Secretary Syed Refaet Hamim stated that the progress achieved before the end of the fiscal year was a result of various initiatives, including efficient port management and the automation of services. He emphasized the port authority's commitment to sustaining this progress throughout the remaining fiscal year. The activities at the port have gained momentum since the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) came under the control of the Bangladesh Navy-run Chattogram Dry Dock Limited (CDDL). The efficiency has significantly improved with the implementation of e-gate and terminal operating systems, resulting in minimal waiting times for ships at the port. The turnaround time for ships has decreased from four days to 2.53 days. Digital platforms such as 'CPA Sky' and the Pre-Arrival Process (PAP) have also contributed to this positive development. Port Secretary Syed Refaet Hamim reported a 12 to 14 percent increase in efficiency following the handover of NCT activities. This improvement was achieved by maintaining uninterrupted operations even during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. However, tensions escalated in the Middle East after the US and Israel's attack on Iran on February 28, disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and causing a 20 to 40 percent increase in fares. Furthermore, port operations faced a two-week disruption due to workers' protests against the NCT's plan to lease it to a foreign operator. Commodore Ahmed Amin Abdullah, Chattogram Port Member (Harbor and Marine), highlighted the achievement of 'zero waiting time' and a significant reduction in the average 'turn-around time' of ships. Container and cargo handling have been on the rise, and berth occupancy is being effectively managed. The Chattogram Port Authority is optimistic that with the full implementation of ongoing modernization and digital initiatives, the growth trend will strengthen in the future, providing a boost to the country's import-export activities.