A new shipping service on the Chattogram-China maritime route began operations with the arrival of a Chinese cargo vessel at Chittagong port on Monday, 16th September, 2024.
The first vessel on this route, MV Kota Angun, arrived at the Chattogram Port jetty carrying 552 containers from China’s Port of Ningbo-Zhushan, one of the busiest seaports in the world, according to Chattogram Port Authority Assistant Terminal Manager Rajib Chowdhury. The ship took nine days to reach Chattogram, having departed on September 7 and traveling via Shanghai and Shekou.
The new service, named China-Chittagong Express (CCE), is operated by a consortium of ships owned by multiple organizations. Previously, goods ships took 20-25 days to reach Chattogram from China, as they transited through Singapore, Malaysia, or Colombo.
Syed Mohammad Arif, President of the Shipping Agent Association, highlighted the benefits of this new route, stating it would enhance trade between Bangladesh and China. Bangladesh imports machinery and raw materials for its garment and export sectors from China, while exporting products like jute yarn, hide, and processed hair. He noted the high volume of imports from China, indicating that this direct route holds great potential for both countries.
Comment here