Mongla Port has exceeded its revenue target by Tk 9.46 crore in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to the port authority. “The revenue target was Tk 333.87 crore, and the port earned Tk 343.33 crore, surpassing the target by Tk 9.46 crore or 2.83%,” said Md Siddiqur Rahman, Chief Finance and Accounts Officer of Mongla Port Authority, while presenting the port’s financial report at a press conference yesterday.
He added, “The port handled 830 foreign commercial ships, which is 30 more than the target of 800, marking an increase of 3.75%. Container handling reached 21,456 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), exceeding the target of 20,000 TEUs by 7.28%. Additionally, cargo handling rose to 10.412 million tonnes, surpassing the target of 8.88 million tonnes by 17.25%.”
Rear Admiral Shaheen Rahman, Chairman of the Port Authority, credited this success to experienced port management and inclusive facilities for all stakeholders, including shipping agents, customs and forwarding agents, and stevedores. “The formation of a permanent committee for internal business development has contributed to the increase in ship arrivals,” he noted.
He also highlighted operational efficiency, stating, “There is no vessel congestion at the port. The turnaround time for container unloading is 1.66 hours, and the average turnaround time for other operations is 3.37 hours.”
“The port offers special facilities for car importers, has seven spacious container yards, and 38 auxiliary watercraft, including tugboats, pilot boats, mooring boats, pilot dispatch boats, survey boats, and dredger units.”
Emphasising security, he said, “The port strictly follows the ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code). In addition to regular Coast Guard patrols during the arrival and departure of foreign ships, the port provides efficient and cost-effective transportation of goods across the country via road and waterways.”
“The 144-km-long port channel is equipped with lighted buoys and light towers, enabling safe and uninterrupted navigation both day and night. Furthermore, there are 49 berthing points available for foreign commercial vessels,” he added.
Md. Makruzzaman, Deputy Director of the Port Authority, credited recent progress to reforms initiated under the interim government’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus. He noted that the Adviser to the Ministry of Shipping, M. M. Sakhawat Hossa, along with ministry officials, visited the port regularly and provided timely directives.
“Their guidance not only increased operational activity but also played a key role in meeting the fiscal targets,” Makruzzaman said.
Courtesy – local media
