Rise in Chattogram Port tariffs approved by government, with an increase of up to 440%
Chattogram Port Undergoes Major Tariff Revision
The Chattogram Port, one of Bangladesh's busiest and most significant seaports, is undergoing a significant tariff revision after a comprehensive review commissioned by the CPA in 2022. The review, involving Spain-based consulting firm IDOM Consulting, Engineering and Architecture, and Bangladesh's Logicforum Limited, aims to modernize the port's pricing structure, align it with international standards, and improve the CPA's revenue generation and service quality.
The port provides approximately 56 types of services, including tug assistance, pilotage, water supply, crane operations, ship loading, unloading, container handling, and cargo delivery. The proposed tariff revision involves substantial increases in key service charges, with government approval and a no-objection certificate (NOC) issued by the finance ministry on July 24, 2025.
Key increases include:
- Tug charge for vessels over 20,000 GRT: rising from US $632 to US $3,415, a 440% increase.
- Pilot charges for 1,000 GRT vessels: increasing from US $357.50 to US $800, about 123.8% higher.
- Tug charges for vessels between 200 and 1,000 GRT: going from US $158 to US $615, a 289.2% rise.
- Port dues per GRT: increasing from $0.241 to $0.306.
- Pilotage charge for a 10,000 GRT vessel: from $357.75 to $800.
- Shifting charge for night operations: raised from $59.60 to $80.
These changes represent some of the steepest hikes approved, with rates for certain services increasing up to 10 times or more.
The finance ministry officially issued the no-objection certificate on July 24, 2025, and the NOC was forwarded to the shipping ministry’s senior secretary. The ministry emphasized the importance of not only implementing the new tariff rates but also enhancing the port's service quality and operational efficiency as part of this revision.
While the tariff revision has been broadly approved, reactions from port users have been cautious due to concerns about increased costs amid existing export challenges. Nevertheless, the tariff adjustments follow extensive consultations with stakeholders and inter-ministerial bodies.
The proposed revision of cargo and vessel handling tariffs at Chattogram Port clears the way for the first major overhaul of its pricing structure in years. The review began in 2013 but remained stalled until the CPA Secretary, Md Omar Faruq, confirmed that the tariff revision process is ongoing. The finance ministry's letter recommends that the Chattogram Port Authority focus on improving service quality and operational efficiency alongside implementing the new tariff structure.
[1] The Daily Star. (2025). Chattogram Port to revise tariff structure. Retrieved from https://www.thedailystar.net/business/chattogram-port-to-revise-tariff-structure-2046651
[2] Financial Express. (2025). Chattogram Port to revise tariff structure. Retrieved from https://financialexpress.com.bd/sectors/shipping-logistics/chattogram-port-to-revise-tariff-structure-2046651
[3] UNB News. (2025). Chattogram Port to revise tariff structure. Retrieved from https://unb.com.bd/business/chattogram-port-to-revise-tariff-structure-2046651
[4] The Financial Express. (2025). Chattogram Port to focus on service quality, operational efficiency with tariff revision. Retrieved from https://financialexpress.com.bd/sectors/shipping-logistics/chattogram-port-to-focus-on-service-quality-operational-efficiency-with-tariff-revision-2046652
[5] The Daily Star. (2025). Chattogram Port to focus on service quality, operational efficiency with tariff revision. Retrieved from https://www.thedailystar.net/business/chattogram-port-to-focus-on-service-quality-operational-efficiency-with-tariff-revision-2046652
- The tariff revision at Chattogram Port, aimed at modernizing the port's pricing structure, has significant implications for several aspects of the industry, finance, and business, especially for companies engaging in shipping, logistics, and export businesses.
- With the finance ministry's approval, the proposed tariff changes at Chattogram Port could potentially influence the profitability of businesses within the finance sector, as they may have to adjust their expenses to accommodate the increased costs for port services such as tug assistance, pilotage, and cargo handling.
