The potential for greater utilisation of Mongla Port for Bangladesh’s RMG exports and reducing pressure on Chattogram Port was discussed at a meeting between Rear Admiral Arif Ahmed Mustafa, Chairman of Mongla Port Authority, and Mohammad Hatem, President of BKMEA, at the BKMEA office in Dhaka.
The Mongla Port Chairman highlighted the port’s capacity, noting that it can accommodate vessels with a maximum draft of 9.5 metres and a maximum length of 225 metres, while its jetties can accommodate up to 52 vessels. He emphasised exploring opportunities to handle a greater volume of export shipments from Bangladesh’s apparel sector through Mongla Port.
BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem said that if Mongla Port can ensure reliable and efficient services at affordable and competitive rates, the RMG industry can consider using the port more extensively for export shipments. He stressed that timely and predictable cargo delivery is crucial for the apparel industry to meet international buyers’ delivery schedules.
He also emphasised the importance of arranging a joint meeting involving BKMEA, BGMEA, shipping agents and freight forwarders to assess the port’s existing facilities, identify service gaps and operational challenges, and explore practical solutions for increasing its utilisation by the RMG sector.
