Container ships are expected to start operating between Mongla and Chattogram ports on a domestic maritime route. This initiative marks a strategic move to revitalise Mongla Port—Bangladesh’s second seaport—which, after years of grappling with numerous challenges, has now emerged as a profitable and growing hub due to several ongoing development and expansion projects.
The surge in commercial vessel arrivals has not only increased the port’s revenue but also generated new employment opportunities for local workers. Despite this progress, Mongla Port continues to face a number of challenges, including navigability issues, underutilisation of existing business facilities and high operational costs. These limitations have restricted container ship movement to roughly one vessel per month, despite the region’s strong export potential for goods such as fish, frozen products, and jute.
Chattogram-based shipping agent Sea Glory has taken the initiative to operate small container vessels along this domestic route. Their plan involves transporting empty containers from Chattogram to Mongla, where they will be filled with export goods and sent back via Chattogram for international shipping.
The containers will primarily carry fish, frozen goods, and jute for export via Chattogram. Direct transshipment from Mongla remains expensive and time-consuming due to limited container activity. In contrast, using Chattogram as an intermediary promises to be faster and more cost-effective.
The start of container transport operations between Chattogram and Mongla is expected to contribute positively to the national economy, opening up more efficient and affordable trade routes for exporters and importers alike.
