Container ship operation between Chattogram-Mongla routes begins next month: Sources

Container ships operation is set to begin between Chattogram-Mongla routes next month with an effort to reduce export costs and to operate maritime domestic routes smoothly, official sources told BSS here recently.

The Sea Glory, a Chattogram-based shipping agent is expected to launch container ships operation between the routes for the first time in the country.

“The initiative has been taken to enhance export-import facilities and accelerating economy of greater Khulna,” Md Makruzzaman, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Media of the Mongla Port Authority (MPA) said.

He said all preparations have been taken to operate container ships on domestic routes by next month. In this connection, he said trial run of a container ship has been completed recently to this end.
 
Talking to BSS Syed Zahid Hossain, President of the Mongla Port Berth and Ship Operator Association said, “Container imports at Mongla Port are low, which leads to a shortage of empty containers. Transporting empty containers from Chattogram incurs additional freight charges, making the overall container cost higher. If container ships begin operating between the Chattogram-Mongla routes both time and export costs will decrease.”

Mongla is the second-largest seaport in Bangladesh. Despite various challenges, it remains a profitable port. Under several development projects, the port has undergone significant expansion and improvement. However, an increase in commercial ship traffic has also boosted labour activity and port income.

He, however, said that due to navigability issues and limited business facilities, the port hasn't reached its full potential. Currently, less than one container ship visits the port per month. The region holds vast export opportunities, including fish, frozen goods, and jute.

The 'Sea Glory' is taking a different approach by planning to operate small container ships between the Chattogram-Mongla routes to tap into this potential.

The initiative focuses on transporting empty containers from Chattogram to Mongla, then returning with cargo-filled containers to Chattogram for international export.

Business representatives from the company reported positive results from a recent trial run, Mainul Hossain, Manager of Sea Glory said.

“If we can transport empty containers from Chattogram to Mongla, similar to how it's done with Pangaon, an inland port and container terminal on the Buriganga River, the process will become easier, and business can improve. The recent trial run was successful,” he added.

Mainul mentioned that in February 2025, a test shipment of 100 containers was transported between Chattogram-Mongla routes. Following its success, the company plans to begin regular, official container transport in May. These containers will be filled with items like fish, frozen goods, and jute in Mongla, and then exported through Chattogram.

Transporting containers directly from Mongla via transshipment would cost less, but since that’s not a regular practice, both cost and time increase. Using the Chattogram route can reduce both significantly, Md Makruzzaman, Deputy Secretary of the Mongla Port Authority (MPA) said.

“Due to draft limitations (depth restrictions), larger ships can't access Mongla easily. But via Chattogram, exports can continue smoothly, and there’s no shortage of containers. Products can be shipped abroad through Chattogram as per shipping agents’ demands,” Captain Rafiqul Islam, Chairman of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association (Khulna), commented.

Talking to BSS, Rear Admiral Shahin Rahman, Chairman of Mongla Port Authority said, “Mongla Port is currently more dynamic and promising than ever before. Alongside infrastructure improvements, the port's capacity is expanding. Once ongoing projects are completed, the surrounding region’s economy will further improve.”

Exporters and importers are now satisfied and are showing interest in using this port for loading and unloading of goods easily through using modern equipment, he said, adding that both domestic and foreign ships are increasing at the Port as there are no ship conjunctions here.

Construction of massive development projects is ongoing and the port area is being enhanced side by side with infrastructural development, he said.

He added that effective container transport between Chattogram-Mongla routes will pose a positive impact on the country’s economy after the completion of the development projects.