An Overview of Mongla Port
Mongla Port, Bangladesh’s rapidly expanding second-largest seaport, is strategically located in Bagerhat District, approximately 48 km south of Khulna City. It serves as a crucial hub for international trade. Situated near the confluence of the Pasur River and the Bay of Bengal, it facilitates the movement of diverse cargo, including bulk commodities, project cargo, vehicles, and containers. This port’s growing importance is fueled by ongoing infrastructure development and its vital role in reducing congestion at Chittagong Port.
Strategic Location and Regional Connectivity
Positioned on the east bank of the Pasur River, 71 nautical miles upstream from the Bay of Bengal, Mongla Port benefits from its sheltered location, safeguarded by the Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This strategic placement enhances regional trade, particularly with India, Nepal, and Bhutan, further boosted by improved connectivity via the Padma Bridge and the Bangladesh-India Coastal Shipping Agreement. Ongoing rail link and terminal expansion projects are strengthening its contribution to Bangladesh’s economic growth.
Operational Capabilities and Infrastructure
Draft and Vessel Capacity: Mongla Port accommodates vessels with a maximum draft of 8.5 meters, subject to tidal variations (2.5–5.5 meters). It handles ships up to 200 meters long (LOA) and between 30,000 to 40,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT).
Infrastructure Improvements: Capital dredging of the Pasur Channel, aimed at achieving a 10-meter depth by 2026, is underway. Completing Jetty No. 9 in 2023 and developing a modern container terminal, projected to handle 500,000 TEUs by 2027, significantly boost the port’s cargo handling capabilities.
Navigational and Tidal Information
- Vessels with 6.0 to 9.5 meters drafts can berth at anchorages, mooring buoys, and jetties.
- Maximum vessel LOA: 225 meters (150 meters for night navigation).
- Following a semi-diurnal cycle, the tidal range varies between 2.5 and 5.5 meters.
- Pilotage is mandatory for vessels exceeding 100 meters LOA, with pilots boarding at Hiron Point or Fairway Buoy.
- Night navigation is permitted for vessels up to 150 meters LOA.
- The channel is marked by 64 lighted buoys, with conical shapes indicating port sides and other shapes indicating starboard.
Hydrographic and Anchorage Details
Tidal conditions are critical for navigation, particularly for crossing the shallow outer bar at the entrance. The port experiences semi-diurnal tides with a noticeable diurnal effect, with tidal ranges between 2.5 and 5.5 meters. Ongoing dredging projects aim to deepen the channel for larger vessel accommodation. Mongla Port provides shore-based facilities and a sheltered anchorage in the Pasur River, with water depths ranging from 5.9 to 17.0 meters at the Lowest Low Water Datum (LLWD). The distance from Mongla Fairway buoy to Mongla Port Jetty is 71 nautical miles, and the outer anchorage at Hiron Point supports vessels awaiting favorable tide windows.
Cargo Handling and Ship Size
In 2024, Mongla Port handled 14.5 million tons of cargo, a 10% increase from 2023. Major commodities include cement clinker, fertilizer, coal, food grains, and significant jute and garment export growth. Vessels with drafts up to 9.5 meters can cross the bar year-round, with vessels up to 10.5 meters crossing during spring tides in the southwest monsoon season. Real-time tidal and navigational updates are available to ensure safe passage.
Additional Services and Information
Charts: Digital (BD307425, BD407426, BD57451A, BD57451B, BD57452A, BD57452B); Paper (BA IN351, US 63320)
Publications: NP21, Bay of Bengal Pilot
Maximum Vessel Size and Cargo Types
- Anchorage: LOA 200 meters, draft 8.5 meters
- Breakbulk: LOA 170 meters, draft 7.5 meters
- Containers: LOA 170 meters, draft 7.5 meters
- Bulk: LOA 183 meters, draft 6.5 meters
- Tankers: LOA 120 meters, draft 5.5 meters
- Gas: LOA 120 meters, draft 6.0 meters
- Bulk Cargo: Cement clinker, coal, gypsum, fertilizer, food grains
- Breakbulk/Project: Heavy machinery, steel coils, construction equipment
Fuel and Bunkering: Compared to Chittagong, bunker fuel availability is limited, primarily MGO and IFO via barges. Supplies can be arranged with notice through Mongla Port shipping agents.
Airports: Jessore Domestic (112 km); Chittagong International (180 km)
Digitalization: Mongla Port Authority (MPA) introduced an online vessel tracking and booking system in January 2025.
Green Port Initiative: Plans are in place to install solar-powered cranes and reduce emissions by 2026.
For more detailed information, please visit the Mongla Port Authority Website: Mongla Port Authority Website
