Port Information · BDCGP
Port of Chittagong Operational Guide & Agency Services
Vessel approaching Chattogram. CPA coordinates the local call and reports the vessel position, cargo operation, delays and sailing developments to the appointing principal.
Live Chattogram arrival, sailing or berth deadline? Call the Duty Desk.
- Operating status
- Primary CPA operating port
- Confirm for each call
- Draft · LOA · berth · tide · pilotage · terminal acceptance
- Working scope
- Confirm the actual vessel, facility and service requirement before local action
Chittagong Port Agency Services
Vessel due at outer anchorage, working cargo by lighterage, awaiting river entry, or proceeding alongside. Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) coordinates the local attendance and keeps owners, charterers, managers, operators, and cargo interests updated throughout the call.
Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) follows the vessel from initial nomination and pre-arrival review through arrival, anchorage or berth operations, cargo completion, outward clearance, and sailing.
The operations desk maintains the local reporting line covering ETA changes, arrival position, port status, cargo activity, attending services, delays, expected completion, and departure.
PDA enquiries, operational appointments, additional-cost approvals, supporting records, and the Final DA remain connected to the confirmed agency instruction.
The duty desk reviews the vessel particulars, cargo, arrival and sailing drafts, ETA, expected working position, proposed berth or anchorage programme, service requirements, and reporting instructions.
Where the vessel’s dimensions, draft, cargo programme, terminal expectation, lighterage plan, or service attendance requires further local confirmation, the unresolved point is returned before arrival.
Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) does not treat a historical berth table or draft figure as current movement approval. Vessel acceptance remains subject to the latest Chittagong Port Authority, Harbour Master, pilot, terminal, and facility position for the call.
Many deep-draft and bulk-cargo vessels remain at Chittagong outer anchorage for waiting, lighterage, surveys, crew movement, supplies, technical attendance, or draft reduction.
Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) follows the assigned vessel position, lighter availability, cargo progress, launch movements, attending surveyors, ship services, weather, shifting requirements, and revised completion forecast.
Where draft shortage, barge delay, weather, pilot position, or berth congestion changes the programme, the operational effect is reported without presenting an unconfirmed movement as final.
For vessels proceeding into the Karnaphuli River, the duty desk follows the current permissible movement position, berth readiness, pilot status, tug requirement where advised, tide-dependent window, terminal acceptance, and receiving programme.
The latest confirmed position is passed to the Master and appointing principal. Any change affecting river entry, berth movement, cargo commencement, service attendance, or expected sailing is incorporated into the next owner update.
The Master retains navigational command. Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) relays the local instructions and movement information received for the appointed call.
Where cargo is worked through lighter vessels at outer anchorage, Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) follows lighter placement, cargo readiness, ship’s gear, stevedore or gang position, survey attendance, receiver instructions, cargo progress, and the expected draft-reduction point.
Operational reports cover cargo commencement, stoppages, daily quantities, balance onboard, lighter or barge availability, draft changes, revised completion, and the expected effect on shifting, river entry, or sailing.
Weather, sea condition, equipment failure, gang shortage, delayed lighter placement, or receiving restrictions are reported as they develop.
Loading and discharge operations remain under follow-up against the vessel, stevedore, terminal, receiver, charterer, cargo interest, and survey position.
Depending on the appointment, reports may cover: Cargo commencement and completion; Gangs and equipment working; Lighter or barge attendance; Quantities handled; Balance onboard; Weather or operational stoppages; Draft and vessel-position changes; Survey attendance; Revised completion forecast; Sailing outlook.
Where an SOF or owner-side operational record forms part of the instruction, reported events remain aligned with the available vessel and shore information. Commercial interpretation of laytime or charter-party terms remains with the responsible principal and its advisers.
Following cargo completion and service attendance, Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) follows the outward local position, pending clearance requirements, pilot or movement status, terminal completion, and expected departure.
The final port-call update confirms cargo completion, completed attendance, outward status, actual sailing, available supporting records, approved local expenses, and any remaining local action.
Where another party holds the full agency appointment, Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) can maintain an independent reporting line for the appointing owner, charterer, manager, P&I Club, correspondent, or cargo interest.
Depending on the instruction, protective attendance may cover vessel and berth position, cargo commencement and completion, SOF event monitoring, gangs and equipment, lighterage progress, draft-survey attendance, cargo shortage or damage concerns, protest status, operational delays, additional local expenses, and sailing position.
The full agent retains its appointed call responsibilities. Protective attendance remains separate and does not interfere with the existing agency line.
Port Overview & Key Facts
The Port of Chittagong, officially referred to as Chattogram Port, operates through the Karnaphuli River and the outer-anchorage system serving Bangladesh’s principal maritime gateway. Vessel calls may involve outer-anchorage waiting or lighterage, tide-dependent river entry, berth or terminal operations, and onward sailing under the current port movement position.
Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) reviews the vessel particulars, cargo programme, arrival and sailing drafts, intended working position, and required attendance against the latest information available for the call. Draft, pilotage, berth, anchorage, and movement conditions remain vessel-specific and subject to current Chittagong Port Authority, Harbour Master, pilot, terminal, and facility instructions.
Official port reference: Port of Chittagong / Chattogram Port. Country: Bangladesh. UN/LOCODE: BDCGP. Port setting: Tidal river port with outer anchorage. River: Karnaphuli River. Local time: Bangladesh Standard Time, GMT+6. Nearest commercial airport: Shah Amanat International Airport, Chattogram. Port authority: Chittagong Port Authority.
These details provide initial orientation only. The vessel’s working position remains subject to the current call instruction.
Chittagong Outer Anchorage: Used for vessel waiting, lighterage, draft reduction, cargo operations, crew movement, surveys, supplies, and other approved attendance. Anchorage assignment, access, and movement timing depend on vessel draft, surrounding traffic, cargo programme, weather, sea conditions, and current port instructions.
Karnaphuli River and Inner Port: Vessels proceeding inward require a confirmed movement position based on draft, LOA, tide, manoeuvring particulars, traffic, berth readiness, and pilot or Harbour Master instructions.
Berths and Terminals: The port supports container, general cargo, dry bulk, liquid cargo, industrial, repair, mooring, and other facility-specific calls. Berth suitability, cargo acceptance, equipment, operating method, and vessel limits must be confirmed for the named terminal or facility.
Kutubdia and Offshore Position: Kutubdia may form part of the approach, offshore waiting, navigational-assistance, or lighterage plan for suitable vessels when directed or accepted for the call. Its use should not be presented as standard for every Chittagong call. The applicable position, pilot requirement, lighterage plan, and onward movement must be confirmed for the individual vessel.
Container and feeder vessels; Bulk carriers; Breakbulk and general-cargo vessels; Tankers and liquid-cargo vessels; Project and heavy-lift cargo; Industrial and facility-specific calls; Repair and technical calls; OPL and anchorage-only attendance; Final-voyage and recycling-vessel calls.
Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) accepts assignments against the confirmed vessel, cargo, terminal, receiver, and operational scope. Listing a vessel or cargo type does not represent automatic berth or facility acceptance.
Before fixing the local programme, principals should provide: Vessel name and IMO number; Vessel type; LOA and beam; GT and DWT; Arrival and sailing drafts; Present position and ETA; Cargo type and quantity; Loading or discharge instruction; Intended berth, terminal, or anchorage; Lighterage requirement; Vessel gear and cargo-working method; Crew, survey, husbandry, or technical attendance.
Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) reviews these particulars and returns the available local position, pending dependencies, and immediate action required.
Information That Must Remain Live: The following should not be fixed permanently in the key-facts section: Maximum permissible draft; Maximum LOA; Anchorage draft thresholds; Pilot boarding position; Pilotage requirements; Berth-specific vessel limits; Night-navigation eligibility; Tug requirements; VHF channels; Cargo working rates; Tide windows; Berth waiting time; Service availability; Port charges. These points should be confirmed for each call rather than published as unconditional limits.
Vessel Positions Supported
Vessel approaching Kutubdia or Chattogram, waiting at outer anchorage, working cargo by lighterage, awaiting river entry, alongside berth, or preparing to sail. Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) adjusts local attendance and reporting against the latest confirmed position.
ETA, draft, arrival reporting, expected anchorage, navigational-assistance position, representatives, survey attendance, and immediate vessel requirements remain under follow-up before arrival.
Pilotage and navigational-assistance requirements should be checked against the current instruction for the vessel’s draft, route, and intended working position.
The duty desk follows anchorage assignment, vessel draft, surrounding traffic, cargo programme, lighterage, weather, launch access, crew movements, surveys, and ship services.
Local operating references identify Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie, also described as A, B, and C, but published draft thresholds and stated uses are not fully consistent. Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) therefore reports the assigned position received for the actual vessel rather than relying on a permanent website classification.
Lighter placement, gang readiness, cargo commencement, daily progress, stoppages, balance onboard, draft reduction, and expected completion remain under active follow-up.
Where the vessel must shift after reaching an instructed draft or operating position, the duty desk reports the latest movement status and its effect on the remaining cargo programme.
Vessel readiness, daily permissible operating position, berth programme, receiving status, pilot availability, tide-dependent movement, traffic, and revised entry timing are reported as confirmed.
An estimate remains identified as an estimate until the responsible authority, pilot, terminal, or receiving party confirms the applicable movement.
Cargo progress, gang deployment, equipment availability, terminal restrictions, surveys, crew or representative access, husbandry services, expected completion, and sailing readiness remain under review.
Changes affecting cargo work, shore attendance, service delivery, or departure are reported without waiting for the final cargo summary.
A full berth call may not be required for separately instructed crew movements, surveys, spares, stores, representatives, bunker attendance, technical services, or other approved vessel requirements.
Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) reviews the vessel position, access route, launch feasibility, weather, receiving party, authority requirements, and available attendance window before confirming the local plan.
Cargo completion, final surveys, outstanding husbandry, outward clearance, pilot position, and departure status remain under follow-up until the vessel sails.
Vessel and Cargo Calls Supported
Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) supports bulk-carrier calls under confirmed agency and cargo instructions. The local scope may include outer-anchorage lighterage, draft reduction, lighter or barge coordination, stevedore attendance, receiver follow-up, draft and cargo surveys, daily cargo reporting, movement updates, and sailing support.
Tanker and liquid-cargo calls are followed against the instructed berth, mooring, terminal, or anchorage position. Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) coordinates the assigned agency attendance, representatives, surveys, ship services, movement updates, and departure position. Product acceptance, cargo handling, hose or facility interface, safety controls, and technical decisions remain with the terminal, vessel, cargo interests, and appointed specialists.
The operations desk follows vessel schedule, terminal position, berth programme, cargo-operation status, attending services, and sailing forecast within the appointed scope. NVOCC, freight, documentation, equipment, or cargo-delivery requirements remain under their respective service instructions rather than being assumed under every vessel agency appointment.
Breakbulk, steel products, machinery, vehicles, bagged cargo, heavy units, and project shipments may require early coordination between the vessel, terminal, stevedore, receiver, equipment provider, surveyor, transport provider, and cargo interest. Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) reports the working method, shore readiness, equipment position, vessel attendance, cargo progress, operational exceptions, and changed completion outlook.
Final-voyage calls require a separate recycling and demolition support instruction. Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) can coordinate Chattogram arrival, anchorage attendance, buyer and seller representatives, crew completion, surveys, delivery attendance, and local reporting without presenting the company as a recycling-facility owner or operator.
Chittagong Port Operating Position
This guide provides an operating framework, not a navigational approval. Draft, berth, tide, pilotage, anchorage, VHF, terminal, and movement details must be confirmed for the individual vessel call.
The Port of Chittagong operates through the Karnaphuli River and its outer-anchorage system. Vessel entry and berth suitability are influenced by draft, LOA, manoeuvring particulars, tide, traffic, river conditions, berth availability, and current port orders.
The Master uses current charts, publications, notices, and bridge procedures. Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) supplies the latest local information received for the appointed file.
There is no single draft or LOA figure that should be treated as unconditional acceptance for the entire port. The applicable position depends on the intended berth or anchorage, tide, river condition, traffic, vessel particulars, manoeuvring capability, and current movement instruction.
Send the vessel name and IMO number, LOA and beam, GT and DWT, arrival and expected sailing drafts, vessel speed and manoeuvring particulars, cargo and quantity, intended berth, terminal, or anchorage, expected lighterage requirement, ETA, and operational window. Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) will return the available local call position.
Chittagong outer anchorage is exposed to tidal current, seasonal weather, surrounding traffic, and operational activity from lighter vessels and service craft. The Master remains responsible for safe navigation and anchoring decisions.
Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) reports changes affecting anchorage assignment, launch movement, cargo work, surveys, crew transfer, shifting, or pilot attendance.
Rain, monsoon swell, strong current, restricted visibility, and cyclone-related port instructions can affect lighterage, cargo operations, launch movement, crew transfer, ship services, surveys, and vessel movements.
The duty desk reports the operational effect, revised timing, and next available attendance position. The website does not replace official forecasts, warnings, or the Master’s navigational assessment.
Berth acceptance remains vessel-, cargo-, terminal-, and order-specific. Container, general-cargo, bulk, industrial, liquid-cargo, repair, and mooring facilities have different working interfaces. Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) follows the nominated facility, current acceptance position, berth programme, cargo method, and local attendance required for the call.
Historical terminal descriptions or project announcements are not treated as current vessel acceptance.
Cargo working depends on cargo type, vessel gear, shore equipment, lighter or barge availability, stevedore plan, receiver readiness, weather, terminal hours, holidays, safety restrictions, and the agreed delivery method. Rates and completion estimates are reported shipment by shipment. No fixed rate should be published as a guaranteed result.
Owner Reporting and Deliverables
The appointing principal receives the latest Chittagong operating position without having to collect separate updates from every local service party.
ETA and vessel-particular review; Expected anchorage or berth position; Available berth or lighterage outlook; Cargo programme; Representative and service attendance; Crew or survey requirements; Pending local information; PDA or attendance-cost basis where requested.
Arrival confirmation; Anchorage or berth position; Pilot or movement status; Initial authority and vessel attendance; Cargo-readiness position; Lighter or terminal status; Operational delays; Next expected movement or review point.
Cargo commencement; Gangs or equipment working; Lighter vessels alongside; Quantity handled; Cargo balance; Stoppages and reasons; Draft or vessel-position changes; Survey attendance; Revised completion forecast; Updated sailing outlook.
What changed; How the vessel or cargo operation is affected; Which local party holds the next action; What Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) is following up; Which local option remains available; Whether additional cost approval is required; When the next update is expected.
Cargo completion; Completed vessel services; Outward-clearance status; Pilot or sailing position; Actual departure; Available supporting records; Approved local-cost position; Remaining local actions.
Crew Change, Husbandry, Surveys, Spares and Costs
Crew sign-on and sign-off can be reviewed for a berth call or approved outer-anchorage attendance. Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) coordinates Immigration attendance, airport reception, hotel, shore transport, launch transfer, vessel boarding, sign-off, baggage movement, and repatriation.
The confirmed plan depends on nationality, travel documents, airline position, vessel access, Immigration requirements, launch availability, weather, sea condition, and the Master’s acceptance. Crew information and identity documents move through the confirmed business channel, not through a public enquiry form.
Provisions, Stores, and Fresh Water: Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) coordinates the instructed supply against product availability, quotation approval, vessel position, terminal access, launch feasibility, and the available delivery window. Supply availability and delivery method are confirmed for the actual call rather than presented as unconditional.
Cash to Master: Cash-to-master requirements are reviewed against the principal’s instruction, banking position, currency availability, authority requirements, timing, and vessel access. Costs and handling arrangements are confirmed before commitment.
Medical Attendance: Medical consultation, hospital attendance, transport, accommodation, and repatriation support can be coordinated against the seafarer’s condition, vessel position, local receiving facility, and travel requirements. Medical decisions remain with the attending medical provider.
Survey and Specialist Attendance: Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) coordinates local attendance for draft, bunker, condition, cargo, on-hire, off-hire, damage, P&I, class, flag, and other appointed surveys. The appointed surveyor or specialist remains responsible for methods, findings, certificates, and signed reports.
Imported or locally sourced spares can be followed from pre-alert and local collection through nominated Customs or C&F support, transport, launch or shore delivery, vessel receipt, and return documentation where instructed. Urgent delivery remains dependent on release, vessel position, access, weather, and the available transfer window.
Chittagong Port Agent (CPA) prepares the PDA or attendance-cost basis against the vessel particulars, call type, expected working position, cargo programme, service requirements, and information available at the time.
Where berth, anchorage, lighterage, attendance, movement, delay, or service requirements change, material additional costs are reported for approval before commitment where advance authorization remains workable.
The Final DA is returned against the confirmed appointment with the available vouchers, credits, advances, and outstanding cost position. Tax, currency, bank, Customs, and statutory treatment remain subject to the applicable charge, payer, and current instruction. Professional legal or tax advice remains separate from the agency service.
Operational Delays Under Follow-Up
The updated berth outlook, effect on cargo or services, and next confirmed review point are reported.
The duty desk reports affected lighter placement, cargo stoppage, survey attendance, balance onboard, revised completion, and the expected effect on shifting or sailing.
The latest movement position and its operational effect on berth, cargo, services, crew, or departure are passed to the principal.
Available gangs, equipment condition, cargo impact, responsible local party, and revised working position remain under follow-up.
The affected cargo or vessel activity, pending local party, operational effect, and expected next action are reported.
Crew, surveyor, technician, representative, stores, spare, or supply attendance is revised against weather, vessel position, and the next workable transfer window.
The duty desk reports the latest quantity, balance onboard, operational reason, revised completion, and changed sailing outlook.