Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT)
About CCT
CCT is a container terminal at Chittagong Port, Bangladesh, run by the Chittagong Port Authority with private contractors. It has an installed capacity of 600,000–650,000 TEUs per year and handled 750,000 TEUs in FY25.
CCT is a vital component of the Port of Chattogram, specialising in the efficient handling of containerised trade. While newer terminals, such as the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and the Patenga Container Terminal (PCT), attract significant international attention, the CCT remains the primary gateway for the country’s container operations.
It is located on the right bank of the Karnaphuli River, upstream of the Patenga area and adjacent to the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT).
Major shipping lines, including Maersk, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, and COSCO, use CCT for feeder services to Singapore, Colombo (Sri Lanka), and Port Klang (Malaysia). It is a hub for the “Bangkok-Chattogram” and “Singapore-Chattogram” shuttle routes.
The primary export commodity is readymade garments (RMG). Imports include raw cotton, textiles, electronic components, capital machinery, and processed food.
Key figures in detail
- Operator: It is under a hybrid model of CPA oversight and local private contractors. Negotiations for the transfer to the PPP model are on.
Equipment
- 4 Quay Gantry Cranes (QGC)
- Rubber-Tyred Gantry (RTG) Cranes (Upgraded to hybrid models in 2025)
- Straddle Carriers
- Reach Stackers (45-ton capacity)
- Empty Handlers and Forklifts
Facilities & infrastructure
- 3 Dedicated Container Jetties (total length 450 m)
- Main Yard: 150,000 sqm for container storage
- 600+ Reefer Plug Points
- Integrated with the Terminal Operating System (TOS) and the CTMS (Computerised Container Terminal Management System)
- Fully integrated with the Online E-Gate Pass system and ASYCUDA in late 2025
Why shippers choose CCT
- CCT is a dedicated container-only facility, ensuring specialised handling
- Its berths have been dredged to maintain a 9.5-metre draft, allowing larger feeders than on traditional general berths
- It has some of the port’s most experienced workforce, maintaining high “crane moves per hour” (CMPH) targets despite the terminal’s age
- Clearing and Forwarding agents and importers submit Bills of Entry and Bills of Export electronically
Shipping lines & services
Hinterland connectivity
Rail & road
Almost all container trains from CCT are destined for the Kamalapur ICD in Dhaka. CCT serves a network of 19 active private Inland Container Depots (ICDs) that also function as Off-Dock CFSs, located within a 1.5 km to 25 km radius of the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA). At CCT, LCL cargo handling is centralised, while FCL cargo is distributed across the same 19 private ICDs, often referred to as “Off-Docks.” Nearly 95% of all containerised exports are “stuffed” at these private ICDs before being sent to CCT for loading onto a ship. A major challenge in 2025 was a shortage of engines, which meant rail handled only about 3% of EXIM containers from the port. There is a direct connection to the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway (N1). 96% of containerised cargo moves by road. Feeder barges connect to the Pangaon and Mukterpur terminals. Waterways handle only about 1% of total containerised cargo. The government’s goal for 2026 is to increase this to 5% through incentives.
CFS & warehousing
CCT primarily services one major on-dock CFS located within the port-protected area. FCL cargo is distributed to a network of 19 private Inland Container Depots (ICDs), often referred to as “Off-Docks.” These facilities are located within a 1.5 km to 25 km radius of the Chittagong Port Authority.
Frequently asked questions
Who operates CCT?
CCT is run under a hybrid model of Chittagong Port Authority oversight and local private contractors.
What is the capacity of CCT?
Installed capacity is 600,000–650,000 TEUs per year. Throughput in FY25 was 750,000 TEUs, or 100% utilisation.
What is the port code for CCT?
The UN/LOCODE-style port code is BDCXB.
Where is CCT located?
CCT is on the right bank of the Karnaphuli River at the Port of Chattogram, adjacent to the New Mooring Container Terminal.
How is CCT connected by rail and road?
Almost all container trains from CCT go to Kamalapur ICD in Dhaka, but 96% of containerised cargo moves by road via the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway (N1).
Which CFS facilities serve CCT?
CCT has one major on-dock CFS, and FCL cargo is distributed to 19 private off-dock ICDs within 1.5 to 25 km of the port.
In the news
Classification
Source: South Asia Container Market Report 2026, p. 63. Last updated Jan 2026.
