Chattogram Port has successfully reinstated the ‘zero waiting time’ benchmark, marking a significant achievement in the country’s port management system. This milestone ensures that vessels no longer experience delays at the outer anchorage, effectively reducing turnaround times and enhancing import-export operations.

In a press release signed by Port Secretary Syed Rafayet Hamim and shared with local media, it was emphasised that this restoration enables shipping companies to save both time and costs. As a result, importers receive goods more quickly, and exporters can ship products on schedule. This increased efficiency strengthens supply chain reliability and is expected to lower logistics costs, potentially stabilising market prices.

The release noted that after achieving this milestone in September of the previous year, the port successfully maintained zero waiting time throughout October, November, and December. However, disruptions in January and February, caused by work stoppages and other challenges, temporarily halted operations. Despite these setbacks, full-scale operations have resumed, restoring zero waiting time at the port.

During the recent Eid al-Fitr holidays, the port remained operational around the clock. Although waiting times at the outer anchorage surged to 3–5 days before Eid, intensive monitoring and coordination by the Port Authority helped bring them back down to zero soon after.

Since the beginning of Ramadan, the authority has focused on maintaining zero waiting time to ensure smooth supply chain operations across the nation. Adjusted worker duty rosters have helped maintain continuity during the holiday period.

Officials are optimistic that this current momentum will be sustained, further enhancing the country’s import-export performance and solidifying the port’s vital role in global trade.e.