Mongla Port continues to experience a surge in international shipping activity, with several foreign vessels docking at the port to unload various goods. As of Tuesday afternoon, four ships were anchored at different jetties. The Panama-flagged MVKS, carrying machinery for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), docked at the number 9 jetty, while the Martial Island-flagged MV Marks anchored at the number 7 jetty and the Indian-flagged MV Jaira at the number 6 jetty. Additionally, the Panama-flagged MV Batam ship was stationed at the number 8 jetty, according to Muhammad Makruzzaman, Deputy Director of Public Relations at the Mongla Port Authority (MPA).
At present, 17 foreign ships, carrying coal, fertilizer, clinker, LPG, and stones, remain anchored at the outer anchorage of the port and the Boya of Harbaria point. This reflects the increasing activity at the port, with goods being swiftly transported to different parts of Bangladesh through the accessible waterways, roadways, and railways that connect to the port.
Since the beginning of this year, Mongla Port has seen the departure of 74 commercial ships, either loading or unloading goods, with this trend continuing to rise. The arrival of foreign commercial vessels has notably increased compared to previous periods, with 413 commercial ships arriving during the first six months of the 2024-25 financial year, according to Siddiqur Rahman, Chief Finance and Accounts Officer at MPA. During the same period, 10,386 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers were unloaded, and 10 vehicle-carrying ships arrived with 5,637 vehicles.
Mongla Port has also handled the import of 5.28 million tonnes of goods, generating revenues worth Tk 2.10 billion. The import of reconditioned cars through the port has significantly risen, as more importers are opting to bring automobiles into the country via Mongla.
Rear Admiral Shahin Rahman, Chairman of the MPA, highlighted that Mongla Port is undergoing a transformation into a fully operational international port. He emphasized that the ongoing development projects at the port would not only increase the number of ships and goods but would also make the port more eco-friendly and business-friendly on a global scale.
The ongoing efforts to enhance the infrastructure and capacity of Mongla Port are expected to continue driving trade growth, making it a key player in Bangladesh’s international trade network.
