In a major push to modernize maritime trade, the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) has undertaken a comprehensive digital transformation initiative to convert all operations of the Chattogram Port—the primary gateway for Bangladesh's foreign maritime trade—into a fully paperless and "smart" port by December.

The initiative aims to modernize port operations, reduce transportation costs, ensure transparency, and alleviate long-standing traffic congestion at the port's entry and exit gates.

The move follows a recent progress review meeting chaired by Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman.

The meeting emphasized expanding existing digital services, coordinating digital platforms across various departments, and shutting down remaining manual procedures.

According to data, the Chattogram Port handled a record 3.4 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers, 138 million tons of general cargo, and 4,273 vessels in 2025.

The port handles approximately 92 percent of the general cargo and 98 percent of container-based trade transported through the country's maritime routes.

CPA Secretary Syed Omar Faruk (referenced as Syed Refayet Hamim in source) stated that given the complex and multi-faceted operations involving importers, exporters, shipping lines, C&F agents, freight operators, customs, and banks, an integrated digital system rather than isolated online services is essential to ensure true efficiency.

He noted that the new initiative will expand digital automation across every tier of port operations. Currently, 100 percent of vessel bills are processed online.

Port officials revealed that an Application Programming Interface (API) connection has been established with Sonali Bank PLC through the newly established One-Stop Service Center.

Consequently, container and consignee billing activities are being progressively integrated directly into the Terminal Operating System (TOS).

Importers and their designated internal service-agent representatives will be able to make payments round-the-clock, including weekends and public holidays. Additionally, an "auto-pull payment system" will be introduced to automatically collect port dues that remain unpaid after 72 hours via designated digital platforms.

Port authorities further noted that following the July integration of the Terminal Operating System (TOS) with the National Board of Revenue's (NBR) Asycuda World system, the delivery order digitization for import containers now allows importers to track required document progress online without any paperwork.

Syed Omar Faruk mentioned that to reduce long queues of vehicles at the port's entry and exit gates, a "time slot management" system, online cart tickets, and e-gate passes are being introduced.

Equipment Interchange Receipts (EIR) are being integrated with e-gate passes so that truck entry, cargo loading, and exit schedules operate under a pre-arranged digital system.

He stated that customs auction-goods delivery, special delivery operations, and Inland Container Depot (ICD) activities are being harmonized through NBR and customs APIs. This enables instantaneous data exchange among all related logistics partners.

The port secretary added that digital systems will also be expanded to bulk cargo handling, alongside plans to introduce slot-based digital parking ticket systems to control vehicle movement at the under-construction Bay Terminal.

The necessary foundation for digital transformation has already been laid, he noted. The port's "Port Single Window - CPA Sky" platform, launched earlier this year, features single-sign-on access to various port services alongside digital radar and real-time vessel movement monitoring.

Currently, TOS dashboards process between 60,000 and 65,000 gate entry operations per month, with a record high of 7,800 gate passes issued in a single day.

Port sources stated that from vessel arrival, bill payment, and customs clearance to cargo unloading and final delivery, the entire multi-dimensional process will be brought under a unified and trackable digital system.

This is expected to cut cargo release times, accelerate revenue collection, boost overall port management efficiency, and align Chattogram Port's trade operations with the automated, tech-driven standards of world-class international ports.