Dredging boosts activities at Mongla Port as ship arrivals rise in FY24

Mongla Port, the second-largest seaport in Bangladesh, has achieved remarkable progress, with the dredging of the Pashur Channel enabling larger ships to dock. 

Today (1 December) marks 74 years of the establishment of the port and the day will be celebrated with various programmes. 

The completion of recent dredging projects will enhance the port's capacity to handle vessels with a draft of up to 10 meters, paving the way for handling larger ships and increased cargo volumes.  

Currently, Mongla Port can accommodate 47 ships across its jetties, mooring buoys, and anchorage points. 

Navigation is supported by 69 strategically placed buoys, while facilities such as container handling equipment, reefer plug points, and expanded car parking have significantly improved operational efficiency.  

According to the port authority, in the fiscal year 2023-24, the port witnessed a 2.30% rise in ship arrivals, alongside significant growth in cargo and container handling.  

In FY24, cargo handling grew by 9.72%, container throughput increased by 16.78%, and vehicle imports rose by 13%. The port now targets an annual capacity of 1 crore 50 lakh tonnes of cargo and 400,000 TEUs of containers.  

Established on 1 December 1950 in Chalna, Khulna, the port has been a cornerstone of the country's import-export trade, overcoming numerous challenges over the decades.  

Due to geographical factors, the port's operations were relocated to Mongla in Bagerhat in 1953. The first British commercial ship, The City of Lyons, anchored at Joymonir Ghol on the Pashur River in the Sundarbans, marking the start of the port's activities.  

In 1977, the port was transformed into an autonomous body named the Chalna Port Authority, later renamed Mongla Port Authority in 1987. Addressing navigability issues along the waterways became one of the port's major challenges, prompting extensive dredging efforts from the 1980s onwards to revitalise its operations.  

Established on 1 December 1950 in Chalna, Khulna, the port was transformed into an autonomous body named the Chalna Port Authority in 1977, and later renamed Mongla Port Authority in 1987 due to relocation. Photos: TBS

A regional trade hub  

The Padma Bridge and improved infrastructure have elevated Mongla Port's importance in regional trade. Officials stressed its transformation into a self-sufficient and modernised facility.  

Rear Admiral Shahin Rahman, chairman of the Mongla Port Authority, said, "Mongla Port has come a long way, and we have undertaken various initiatives to further enhance its capacity. With these advancements, the port is set to play a vital role in the region's import-export trade and economic development."  

To commemorate the occasion, Mongla Port Authority has organised various programmes. 

At midnight, all domestic and international ships at the port blew their whistles for a minute to mark the milestone. 

Today's (1 December) festivities will include a procession, a discussion session, and the presentation of awards to 29 organisations, including Toggi Shipping and Logistics and Bashundhara Multi Trading, for their outstanding contributions.