Chittagong Port, in Bangladesh, faces congestion at its outer anchorage and container yards due to disruptions by Prime Mover and Trailer workers. Last week's suspension of container transportation has led to vessel and container backlogs, delaying port operations.
As of 10 February, 14 container ships awaited entry at the outer anchorage, some for up to five days. The issue began on 4 February following alleged attacks on transport workers, prompting strikes that halted container movements until 7 February. Workers demanded arrests of those responsible.
Port officials noted that six vessels delayed departure by one or two days, leaving without loading nearly 2,000 designated containers. This has worsened congestion at private inland container depots (ICDs), responsible for all outbound shipments. Ships' delayed departures have resulted in a queue of incoming vessels at the port's outer anchorage, with officials estimating two weeks to clear the backlog.
On 10 February, the Chittagong Port Authority reported approximately 37,000 TEUs of containers stockpiled at the port yard. The New Mooring Container Terminal and Chittagong Container Terminal have reached 80% capacity due to the disruptions.
Syed Mohammad Arif, Chairman of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents' Association (BSAA), noted the impact on export-import activities, stating, "The strikes forced ships to wait longer and even depart without designated cargo."
ICDs are also pressured, now storing over double their usual outbound container volume. Ruhul Amin Sikder, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association, stated that the 19 ICDs typically accommodate 7,000 to 8,000 TEUs of export containers, but this has surged to over 14,000 TEUs. He warned it would take at least a week to normalize depot operations.
The port and logistics sector faces the challenge of clearing congestion and restoring operations, as businesses prepare for further delays.
Source: Container News