Mongla Port
Mongla Port embarks on major expansion to boost trade capacity
The Mongla Port, Bangladesh's second-largest seaport located in Bagerhat district, is undergoing significant expansion to boost its cargo handling capacity.
This expansion aims to significantly enhance the port's cargo handling capacity, especially following improved connectivity due to the Padma Multipurpose Bridge, which directly links the capital city, Dhaka.
The construction of six additional jetties is central to this expansion. Notably, Jetties No. 3 and 4 have reached 62% completion, with an investment of Tk 800 crore.
Proposals for Jetties No. 1 and 2 are pending approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec), while plans for Jetties No. 11 and 12 are underway.
Commodore Shafiqul Islam Sarker, Director of the Jetty Construction Project and Member (Harbor and Marine), said that once operational, these jetties will transform the port into a major economic hub for the country.
To facilitate the movement of foreign vessels, 69 navigation buoys have been installed along the port channel. Currently, the port can accommodate 47 ships simultaneously across its jetties, mooring buoys, and anchorages.
The port is equipped with transit sheds, warehouses, container yards, 161 refrigerated plug points for cold storage, car parking yards and 136 modern equipment of handling, including 32 auxiliary tugboats.
496 foreign commercial ships docked at Mongla Port in 7 months
The inauguration of the Padma Bridge has significantly increased activities at the port, as it is now a key transportation route for products from Bangladesh's southwestern region, as well as from neighboring Nepal, Bhutan, and India's border areas.
This surge in activity has necessitated the port's expansion to manage the growing demand.
Local businessmen, such as Sheikh Faridul Islam and Mashiur Rahman, hope that the new jetties will enhance ship movement and cargo handling, thereby reducing congestion during loading and unloading.
This development is expected to economically benefit the port and streamline import and export processes for businesses.
The port authorities recognise the need for comprehensive modernization, including workforce enhancements, to alleviate pressure on the Chittagong port. Commodore Shafiqul Islam Sarker noted that the construction of Jetties No. 3 and 4 is projected to be completed within the next year and a half. Since its inception, the port has constructed five jetties for cargo handling. The addition of six new jetties will not only increase capacity but also reduce transportation costs in the southwestern region, bolstering the port's international competitiveness.
Port Chairman Rear Admiral Shahin Rahman highlighted that the port is currently managing four active projects. Upon completion of dredging in the inner bar of the Pashur Channel, the port's jetties will be capable of handling ships with drafts up to 10 meters.
The 'Mongla Port Upgradation Project' aims to further enhance the port's capacity, enabling it to handle 1.5 million tonnes of cargo and 400,000 TEUs of containers annually. The completion of the two ongoing jetties is expected to increase the port's container handling capacity by an additional 200,000 TEUs per year.
Ship carrying molasses from Pakistan arrives at Mongla Port
In the 2023-24 fiscal year, the port experienced a 2.30% increase in commercial ship arrivals, a 9.72% rise in cargo transportation, a 16.78% uptick in container transportation, and a 13% increase in car imports compared to the previous fiscal year.
3 days ago
Ship with 50,200 MT Argentine wheat arrives at Ctg port
A vessel carrying 50,200 metric tonnes of wheat imported from Argentina has arrived at Chittagong Port.
The ship, MV ELIPIDA GR, docked on Wednesday, according to a media release of Food Ministry.
Of the total shipment, 30,120 metric tonnes will be unloaded at Chittagong Port, while the remaining will be offloaded at Mongla Port.
52,500 mt wheat imported from Ukraine reaches Chattogram
Earlier, on December 12, 2024, a separate shipment of 52,500 metric tonnes of wheat from Ukraine reached Chittagong Port.
1 week ago
Govt plans big to modernise Mongla Port for making it ‘regional hub’
The interim government has decided to expand and modernise Mongla Port, aiming to enhance its container handling capacity and establish it as a regional hub.
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) approved a Tk 4,068.23 crore project on Sunday for the port’s expansion and modernisation.
The Mongla Port Authority, under the Ministry of Shipping, will implement the project by December 2028. Of the total cost, Tk 475.33 crore will come from the government, while the remaining Tk 3,592.90 crore will be financed through a loan from China.
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Briefing reporters after the meeting, Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud emphasised the port’s geopolitical significance and said the government is committed to developing Mongla Port into a regional hub by strengthening its container handling infrastructure.
He said that this project has been undertaken after thorough review while China would finance most of the project funding.
In response to a question, he said international trade could be expanded further with Bhutan, Nepal and China with the expansion of container handling capacity through implementation of this project.
The approval came from the 7th meeting of the Ecnec in this fiscal year and the 6th of the interim government held at the NEC Conference Room with Ecnec Chairperson and Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus in the chair.
Ecnec approves five projects worth Tk 5,915.99 crore
Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud said that the day’s meeting approved a total of 13 projects involving an overall estimated cost of Tk 12,532.28 crore.
“Of the total project cost, Tk 4,097.23 crore will come from the government of Bangladesh portion, Tk 7,328.95 crore as loan while the rest of Tk 1,106.10 crore from the concerned organization’s own fund,” he added.
Of the approved 13 projects, nine are new while four are revised projects.
Replying to a question, Dr Mahmud said that they would review the development budget next week in a bid to finalise the Revised Annual Development Programme (RADP).
He said since Bangladesh is graduating from the LDCs, soft-term loans would not be available from the multilateral development partners in the future while there would also be a burden on the state coffee for repaying the principal amount and interests of the foreign loans.
He indicated that the government’s loan burden for implementing the mega projects would also increase in the coming days.
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To address the situation, the Planning Adviser recommended increasing overall revenue collection, emphasising that failure to do so would hinder the efficient management of the country's economy.
In this regard, he said, the government is focusing more on Human Resources development.
Replying to another question, the Planning Adviser said that taking foreign loans is not bad. “But the most important thing is whether it is invested in the right areas ….like investing in infrastructures which would motivate the private sector to woo more investment and establish export-oriented industries.”
The Planning Adviser also informed that the government is putting due emphasis on strengthening further the capacity of BAPEX and the Petrobangla.
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The other projects approved in the meeting are: Uttar Kattali Catchment Sanitation in Chattogram Metropolis with Tk 2,797.22 crore, Improved seed production and development of rice, wheat and corn, 3rd phase with Tk 474.68 crore, Modernization and development (2nd phase) of seed production, processing and distribution management of BADC with Tk 292.86 crore, Food Safety Testing Capacity Development with Tk 2,409.70 crore, Digging some four evaluation-cum-development wells of Titas and Kamta Fields with Tk 1,255 crore, conducting 3-D Seismic Survey at Habiganj, Bakhrabad and Meghna Fields with Tk 454.25 crore, Digging Sylhet-12 number well (oil well) with Tk 255.25 crore, Ghorashal 4th unit re-powering, 3rd revised, with an additional cost of Tk 96.08 crore, Development of power distribution system of Chattogram Zone, 2nd phase, 2nd revised with an additional cost of Tk 164.15 crore, Strengthened Service Delivery systems for Improved Migration Management and Sustainable Reintegration with Tk 60.10 crore, Establishment and infrastructural development of government primary schools at Dhaka metropolis and Purbachal, 1at revised, with an additional cost of Tk 213.62 crore, and Establishment of digital labs at educational institutions, 2nd phase, 2nd revised with a reduced cost of Tk 8.86 crore.
1 week ago
Mongla Port Development: Work on Pashur Channel Dredging begins
A project titled "Pashur Channel Maintenance Dredging" has begun at Mongla port to maintain navigability of the channel.
Approved during an ECNEC meeting last week, this project is estimated to cost Tk 1,538.19 crore.
The project taken by the Mongla Port Authority follows the completion of dredging at the Outer Bar of the Pashur Channel, with ongoing work at the Inner Bar.
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Upon completion, ships with drafts of 9.5 to 10 meters will be able to dock directly at Mongla Port’s jetties.
The initiative aims to sustain the port's channel depth and ensure its smooth operation, officials said.
Overcoming Past Challenges
Mongla Port faced severe navigability issues between 2002 and 2007 due to a lack of dredging in the Outer and Inner Bar channels.
The port became nearly inoperative due to the constraints, with a sharp decline in ship arrivals.
After completing a Tk 712 crore Outer Bar dredging project in 2020, the port now accommodates ships with 9-meter drafts.
Naogaon farmers make a fortune on mustard and honey
Later the port authority started dredging the Inner Bar, spanning 23 kilometers from Joymonirgol to the port jetties.
Despite initial projections to complete the Tk 793.72 crore project by June 2022, delays increased costs to Tk 992 crore.
New Maintenance Dredging Project
The newly approved maintenance dredging project for Pashur Channel will be implemented from January 2025 to December 2029.
Of the total project cost, Tk 1,384.37 crore will come from the government, with the remaining Tk 153.82 crore funded by Mongla Port Authority.
Besides, the "Procurement of Supporting Vessels for Mongla Port (1st Revised)" project will now cost Tk 936.56 crore, up from Tk 767.25 crore, and is set to be completed by June 2025.
Boosting Port Capacity
Rear Admiral Shahin Rahman, Chairman of Mongla Port Authority, said there is no alternative of regular dredging to sustain the country’s second-largest seaport.
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"The port has proven its growing significance by facilitating key national projects like Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Rampal Power Plant, and Metro Rail," he said.
With ongoing and planned projects, Mongla Port aims to overcome navigability challenges, enhance its operational efficiency, and further contribute to the economic growth of Bangladesh’s southwestern region.
"We are implementing a comprehensive master plan to transform Mongla Port into a modern and dynamic facility capable of handling future demands," he said.
4 weeks ago
Mongla Port generates Tk 210cr revenue in first half of FY 2024-2025
Mongla Port has earned Tk 210 crore in revenue during the first six months of the fiscal year 2024-2025, handling significant imports and exports.
During this period, 413 commercial vessels arrived at the port, while 5,637 vehicles were imported through 10 car-carrying ships.
In the meantime, the port managed a total of 52,84,471 tonnes of goods in imports and exports, according to a press release from the port authorities.
In addition, the influx of foreign commercial vessels at Mongla Port surged as 2025 began. A total of 28 commercial ships have docked at the port in the first 10 days of January.
On Friday, two container ships carrying cargo for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant were anchored at Mongla Port. As of now, 18 ships are stationed across various points of the port, said the release.
Deputy Director of Mongla Port Authority Md Makruzzaman said that the arrival of foreign commercial ships at Mongla Port has increased as 2025 began.
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“Currently, there are 18 commercial ships at different locations in the port's Pashur Channel. These ships carry various products including coal, fertiliser, clinker, LPG, container transport and stone,” he mentioned.
The release further highlighted a positive growth trajectory for Mongla Port, noting a 2.30 percent increase in the arrival of foreign commercial ships, a 9.72 percent rise in cargo volume, a 16.78 percent increase in container traffic and a 13 percent growth in vehicle imports during the fiscal year 2023-2024 compared to the previous year.
1 month ago
Omera Petroleum recognised as largest LPG importer at Mongla Port again
Omera Petroleum Limited has been honored as the largest LPG importer for the second consecutive year during the 74th Foundation Day of Mongla Port Authority.
Rear Admiral Shaheen Rahman, Chairman of Mongla Port Authority, presented the award to Omera’s CEO, Tanzeem Chowdhury.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, Omera Petroleum Limited made a significant contribution to ensuring energy security in Bangladesh by importing large volumes of LPG through Mongla Port.
Expressing his gratitude, Tanzeem Chowdhury said, “This achievement is only possible because of the trust and support of our customers, stakeholders, and regulators. We are deeply thankful to everyone who has been part of our journey.”
Omera Petroleum Limited remains committed to providing safe and uninterrupted LPG supply to homes and industries across Bangladesh.
This recognition highlights the company’s dedication to excellence and its pivotal role in driving progress in the energy sector.
2 months ago
Train service on Benapole-Mongla route begins with 500 passengers
Train communication on the 138.64 km Benapole-Mongla route began operations today (June 01, 2024), carrying 500 passengers on its inaugural journey.
Saidur Rahman, Benapole Rail Station Master, reported that the commuter train departed for Mongla port at around 10 am, reaching Mongla via Khulna's Phultala at approximately 12:50 pm.
Train services on Benapole-Mongla route set to start from June 1
The commuter train will operate daily, except on Tuesdays, according to Asim Kumar Talukdar, General Manager of the Railway Western Zone.
The route includes stopovers at Navaron, Jhikargacha, Jashore Junction, Rupdia, Singia, Chengutia, Noapara, Bejerdanga, Phultala, Aronghata, Mohammadnagar, Katakhali, Chulkati Bazar, Bhaga, and Digraj stations.
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The new service follows a trial run that began on November 1, when a train was operated on the 138.64 km Khulna-Mongla rail tracks. After seven months of testing, the train service is now officially launched.
8 months ago
Maritime ports asked to hoist distant cautionary signal no 1
Maritime ports of Bangladesh have been advised to hoist distant cautionary signal no. one as the deep depression over Westcentral Bay and adjoining area moved slightly north-northeastwards and now lies over the same area.
At 6 am on Monday, it was centred about 840 kms West-Southwest of Chattogram port, 800 kms West-Southwest of Cox’s Bazar port, 710 kms southwest of Mongla and Payra ports, respectively, said a special Met office bulletin this morning (October 23, 2023).
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It is likely to move north-northeastwards and intensify further, added the bulletin.
Maximum sustained wind speed within 48 kms of the deep depression centre is about 50 kph rising to 60 kph in gusts or squalls.
Sea will remain rough near the deep depression centre.
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Meanwhile, all fishing boats and trawlers over the North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain closed to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice.
They are also advised not to venture into the deep sea, reads the special bulletin.
1 year ago
2 vessels carrying Rooppur power plant consignments dock at Mongla Port
Two vessels with consignments for the Rooppur Power Plant (NPP) in Pabna have arrived at Mongla port.
The ships-- ‘MV Anka Sun’ and ‘MV Sapodilla’ carrying goods weighing 1400.42 MT and 518.42 MT respectively docked at the port’s jetty no 7 and 8 on Sunday evening, Mongla Port Authority (MPA) Harbor Master Captain Shaheen Majid said.
Read more: Return of Russian vessel carrying consignment for Rooppur won’t delay project work: Minister
The unloading of goods from the ships started on Sunday night, he added.
Liberian flag carrier MV Sapodilla left St. Petersburg Port of Russia for Mongla Port and docked at the jetty no 8 of the port on Sunday evening.
Another ship, MV Anka Sun left Russian Novorossiysk Sea Port on December 26 docked at the jetty no-7 of Mongla port at the same time.
The goods will be taken to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant by road, said Sadhan Kumar Chakraborty, local shipping agent of MV Anka Sun.
Earlier on January 22, Panama flag carrier Liberty Harvest and Russian flag carrier MV Kamilia carrying goods for the nuke plant docked at the port.
Read more: Shipments for Rooppur plant and Bangabandhu Rail Bridge arrive at Mongla port
Sanctioned Russian ship Sparta III (Ursa Major) was scheduled to dock at Mongla port in the southwestern part of the country at the end of December last year and unload cargo destined for the Rooppur NPP .
But the authorities denied the ship permission to dock at the port after officials got a letter from the US Embassy in Dhaka saying that the ship was on a list of Russian ships sanctioned by the US.
On January 22, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said Bangladesh will not accept those Russian ships which are under sanctions.
2 years ago
Shipments for Rooppur plant and Bangabandhu Rail Bridge arrive at Mongla port
Three foreign ships,including a Russian flag carrier, importing machinery and goods for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) and Bangabandhu Rail Bridge have arrived at Mongla port.
The unloading of the consignments from the ships has already started.
The Panama flag carrier, MV QI XIA, carrying goods weighing 3,352 metric tonnes for the Bangabandhu Rail Bridge, docked at the port’s jetty-7 on Sunday morning, the Mongla Port Authority said.
Another Panama flag carrier, LIBERTY HARVEST, carrying machinery weighing 4,716 metric tonnes for Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, docked at the port’s jetty-7 at the same time.
The Russian flag carrier, MV KAMILLA, carrying goods weighing 3,633 metric tonnes for the power plant, docked at the port’s jetty-9 at noon.
Md Kamruzzaman, shipping agent for the Liberty Harvest, said it will take four days to unload the consignment for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.
Also read: Fourth Russian shipment for Rooppur arrives at Mongla Port
After unloading, the machinery from the ship will be taken by sea to Rooppur Power Plant, he added.
A total of 14,475 packages weighing 4,716 metric tons of power plant machinery were transported by this ship.
Sadhan Kumar Chakrabarty, local shipping agent of MV Kamilla, said that the ship transported a total of 5,506 packages of goods for the power plant.
Most of the goods for the country's ongoing megaprojects are being imported through this port on a priority basis.
Modern methods of unloading goods, a skilled workforce, and reduced time all contributed to the port's increased activity.
2 years ago