Port workers at Chattogram Port (formerly Chittagong Port) in Bangladesh agreed on Thursday to suspend strike activity for a 48 hour period following discussions with government officials, allowing limited port operations to resume. The labor action, which began in late January in opposition to the proposed lease of the New Mooring Container Terminal to DP World, had escalated from limited daily stoppages to an indefinite, full work abstention earlier this week.
WHY DID PORT OPERATIONS COME TO A COMPLETE HALT?
As the strike intensified, loading and unloading at container terminals ceased, inter-terminal transfers were suspended, and gate services for trailer entry and exit were halted. Vessel movements were restricted, leaving multiple container ships unable to berth or depart. Inland container flows between the port and private inland container depots were also disrupted, compounding congestion within the port area.
WHAT CONDITIONS DEVELOPED OFFSHORE DURING THE SHUTDOWN?
Vessel position data from VesselFinder shows a buildup of container vessels anchored off the Chattogram coastline awaiting berth availability. The anchored vessels reflect the interruption of terminal access and vessel scheduling uncertainty created by the work stoppage. Offshore congestion increased as vessels remained stationary pending resumption of port operations.
WHY WAS THE STRIKE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED?
Following negotiations between government officials and labor representatives, port workers agreed to suspend the strike for a 48 hour period beginning Thursday afternoon. Worker representatives indicated that assurances were provided regarding further communication on their demands, including administrative actions taken against employees involved in the protest. Operations at container terminals are expected to resume during the suspension period.
WILL OPERATIONS NORMALIZE IMMEDIATELY?
Despite the temporary suspension, logistics providers caution that delays and congestion are likely as operations restart. Dwell times, vessel connections, and container freight station activity may remain impacted while backlog is cleared. Prior advisories noted full operational stoppages and warned of extended vessel waiting times as the strike persisted.
WHAT IS CHATTOGRAM PORT’S CURRENT OPERATING STATUS?
While port activity is expected to resume during the suspension window, the underlying dispute regarding the terminal lease remains unresolved. Labor representatives have stated that demonstrations may resume if no decisions are communicated by the end of the suspension period. Court proceedings related to the leasing process are ongoing, and port users continue to monitor developments that could affect vessel schedules and cargo availability. Delays are expected to persist while port operations work through container backlogs.
Stay up-to-date on freight news with Green’s Weekly Freight Market Update by following us on LinkedIn. For continuous updates, make sure to check out our website at greenworldwide.com.
