Published: 10 July 2026 | Operational Update by Freight Management Limited
Record Monsoon Rainfall Disrupts Chattogram Port and Trade Movement
Continuous heavy monsoon rainfall has severely affected Chattogram since 6 July 2026, causing widespread waterlogging, traffic congestion, and disruptions to port-related logistics activities.
The situation intensified under the influence of an active monsoon and a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. On 7 July, Chattogram recorded approximately 412 millimetres of rainfall within 24 hours, surpassing the previous city record set in 1983. A further 214.4 millimetres of rainfall was recorded during the 24 hours ending at 3:00 p.m. on 9 July.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has advised Chattogram and the country’s other maritime ports to maintain Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 as squally weather may continue over the North Bay and adjoining coastal areas.
Waterlogging Affects Port Access and Container Transportation
Flooding in several commercial and transport areas of Chattogram has slowed access to the port, affecting trucks, trailers, and cargo movement.
The disruption is impacting:
- Export container movement from inland container depots
- Import container delivery
- Cargo transportation between factories, depots, and terminals
- Gate-in and gate-out procedures
- Customs inspections
- Vessel cut-off schedules
Logistics operators have also reported reduced cargo-handling productivity, transportation delays, and labour shortages due to flooding.
Port Operations Continue at a Reduced Pace
Although the main container jetties remain operational, persistent rainfall and poor working conditions have reduced the speed of cargo handling.
Daily container delivery reportedly fell from over 3,500 TEUs to approximately 2,400 TEUs during the most heavily affected period. Customs clearance has continued, although some physical inspections have been delayed because of waterlogging within container yards.
Rough Seas Disrupt Outer-Anchorage Operations
Heavy rain and rough sea conditions have also disrupted cargo handling at the outer anchorage.
Reports on 9 July indicated that more than 55 mother vessels were waiting offshore as ship-to-lighter cargo transfers became unsafe. Weather-sensitive commodities such as food grains and fertiliser have experienced the greatest disruption, while weather-resistant cargo has continued to move whenever conditions allowed.
Export Cargo and Depot Operations
Private inland container depots have experienced slower cargo receiving, container stuffing, and export container movement due to flooding.
Current operational risks include:
- Export container backlogs
- Missed vessel cut-off times
- Delayed cargo movement
- Reduced labour productivity
- Moisture damage to cartons and sensitive cargo
- Additional transportation and waiting costs
FML Operational Status
Freight Management Limited continues to monitor the situation in close coordination with port authorities, shipping lines, terminal operators, depots, and transport partners.
Our designated CFS facilities remain in good operational condition and cargo-handling activities continue smoothly. However, transportation between factories, CFS facilities, depots, and the port may still experience delays because of flooded public roads and congestion.
Our operational teams are actively:
- Monitoring cargo and container movement
- Coordinating transportation based on road conditions
- Protecting moisture-sensitive cargo
- Monitoring vessel cut-off schedules
- Keeping customers informed of shipment updates
- Prioritising urgent export cargo
Outlook and Customer Advisory
Intermittent heavy rainfall, waterlogged roads, and rough sea conditions may continue to affect the Chattogram logistics chain.
Customers should anticipate possible delays in cargo transportation, depot receiving, container stuffing, customs inspections, and vessel operations. Exporters are also advised to ensure cartons and moisture-sensitive cargo are properly protected before dispatch and to allow additional time for transportation and port formalities.
Conclusion
Chattogram Port remains operational, but the exceptionally heavy monsoon rainfall continues to place pressure on port access, container transportation, depot operations, and outer-anchorage cargo handling.
Freight Management Limited will continue monitoring weather, road, and operational conditions closely and provide customers with timely shipment updates. For shipment-specific information, customers are encouraged to contact their designated FML representative.