Published: 01:16 AM, 29 June 2026
A Practical Remedy for Port Congestion
Mohammed Enamul Hoque Mithu
Foreign trade is one of the principal driving forces of Bangladesh's economy, and almost the entire volume of this trade is conducted through the country's seaports. With the rapid growth of industrialization, exports, and imports, the pressure on port infrastructure has increased significantly. As a result, prolonged container dwell time, limited yard capacity, and operational inefficiencies frequently lead to severe congestion at the ports. This not only disrupts port operations but also negatively impacts the national economy, industrial production, and international trade.
To alleviate this growing pressure and ensure a more efficient logistics system, it is now imperative to make the direct transfer of designated import containers to off-dock container depots (Inland Container Depots - ICDs) mandatory. This is not a new concept; rather, it is a globally recognized and well-established logistics practice adopted by many advanced port economies.
At present, a substantial number of imported containers remain inside port yards for extended periods due to delays in customs clearance, transportation constraints, or commercial reasons. Consequently, valuable yard space remains occupied, limiting the port's capacity to accommodate newly arrived containers.
This directly affects vessel turnaround time, forcing ships to remain at berth longer than necessary and increasing operational costs. Ultimately, these additional costs are transferred to consumers through higher product prices.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh's private off-dock container depots have already developed world-class infrastructure. They are equipped with modern container yards, ample storage facilities, advanced security systems, 24-hour CCTV surveillance, firefighting equipment, and professionally trained personnel. Utilizing these facilities to their full potential would substantially reduce pressure on the ports and improve the overall efficiency of the country's logistics network.
In particular, if the categories of import cargo officially designated by the port authority for off-dock handling are mandatorily transferred to ICDs for unloading and delivery, container dwell time within the port will be significantly reduced.
This will enable ports to receive and process more containers efficiently while enhancing operational productivity.
However, a major challenge still exists. In many cases, immediately after a vessel berths, shipping lines (MLOs), in coordination with their appointed C&F agents, arrange for containers that are already approved for off-dock handling to be cleared directly from the port by blocking them in the operational system. If this practice continues, sustainable port decongestion will remain unattainable.
Therefore, a clear legal and regulatory framework should be introduced making it mandatory that all import cargo designated by the port authority for off-dock handling must be delivered exclusively through approved off-dock container depots.
Allowing identical categories of cargo to be cleared either at the port or at ICDs creates inconsistency, encourages bypassing of the off-dock system, and undermines the very objective of reducing port congestion.
Mandatory off-dock delivery would not only benefit the ports but would also serve the interests of importers and the wider business community. Since most ICDs are located outside heavily congested urban areas, trucks can access these facilities more easily, reducing transportation delays and improving supply chain efficiency. Businesses would receive their cargo more quickly while saving both time and logistics costs.
Across the world, dry ports and off-dock container depots play a vital role in modern port management. Leading maritime nations have recognized that seaports should primarily function as rapid cargo transfer hubs rather than long-term storage facilities. Storage, customs formalities, cargo consolidation, and delivery operations are increasingly performed through inland logistics facilities, allowing ports to concentrate on vessel handling and cargo movement.
Bangladesh is gradually reaching the same reality. As the country's international trade continues to expand, merely increasing port capacity will not provide a sustainable solution. What is needed is a fully integrated logistics network in which ports, customs authorities, private container depots, transport operators, shipping lines, and the business community operate under a coordinated national strategy.
To successfully implement mandatory off-dock delivery for designated import cargo, several key measures are essential. First, a transparent and comprehensive policy must clearly identify which categories of cargo are eligible for off-dock handling.
Second, customs procedures should be further digitalized and streamlined to minimize delays and unnecessary administrative burdens. Third, the operational capacity, safety standards, and fire protection systems of all licensed depots should be regularly monitored and upgraded. Finally, close coordination among all stakeholders is crucial for ensuring smooth implementation.
It is important to remember that a seaport is not merely a place where containers are loaded and unloaded; it is the heartbeat of a nation's economy.
When ports become congested, the consequences extend far beyond the port itself, affecting industries, exports, imports, investment, and overall economic competitiveness.
Making the direct delivery of designated import containers to off-dock container depots mandatory is therefore a practical and forward-looking policy. It would significantly reduce port congestion, improve logistics efficiency, strengthen supply chain resilience, and lower overall business costs.
For the greater national interest, the time has come to adopt this policy without delay. A modern, competitive economy requires an efficient and dynamic port system, and such a port system depends upon sound planning, professional management, and the optimal utilization of off-dock container depots.
The right decision today will lay the foundation for a more efficient, trade-friendly, and globally competitive Bangladesh tomorrow.
Mohammed Enamul
Hoque Mithu is a freelancer
and a columnist.
