Activities at Mongla Port continue to be enhanced by dredging

The second-largest seaport in Bangladesh, Mongla Port, has advanced remarkably in recent years thanks to a number of massive projects that have been implemented to increase the port’s capacity. For example, the Pashur Channel is currently being dredged, which has made it possible for larger ships to dock. Once it is finished, the port will be able to accommodate ships with a 10-meter draft, which will gradually increase cargo capacity.

With its jetties, mooring buoys, and anchorage spots, Mongla Port can currently handle 47 ships. 69 carefully positioned buoys aid in navigation, while amenities like reefer plug stations, container handling equipment, and more space for parking have greatly increased operational effectiveness.

The port administration reports that during the fiscal year 2023–2024, the port had a considerable increase in cargo and container handling, as well as a 2.30% increase in ship arrivals. Car imports surged by 13% in FY24, container throughput increased by 16.78%, and cargo handling increased by 9.72%.  The port’s current goal is to handle 400,000 TEUs of containers and 1 crore 50 lakh tonnes of cargo annually.

The port, which was founded in Chalna, Khulna, on December 1, 1950, has been a vital component of the nation’s import-export industry, overcoming many obstacles throughout the years.  In 1953, the port’s activities were moved to Mongla in Bagerhat due to topographical considerations.

 The port’s operations began when the City of Lyons, the first British commercial ship, anchored at Joymonir Ghol on the Pashur River in the Sundarbans.  The port became the Chalna Port Authority, an independent organization, in 1977.  It was later renamed the Mongla Port Authority in 1987.