Chattogram Port (CPA) serves as the maritime gateway to Bangladesh — handling over 90% of the country’s export-import trade. Due to its tidal nature and limited navigation space, vessel entry and movement are governed by detailed protocols.

This guide provides updated and essential information for shipowners, charterers, masters, and agents for safely anchoring, lightering, and berthing at Chittagong Port.

• Maximum Draft: 9.50 meters

• Maximum LOA (Length Overall):

  • Daytime: Up to 190.00 meters

  • Nighttime: Up to 170.00 meters

• Jetty-wise Draft Limits:

  • Jetty No. 2–4: Max 7.50 meters

  • Jetty No. 5–13: Max 8.55 meters

• Anchor clear of other vessels; maintain under-keel clearance >2 meters

• Strong tides up to 6–7 knots/hour during monsoon or spring tide

• Use additional chain and have engine on standby

• Limit number of lighter vessels alongside

• Maintain anti-theft watch and assign watchmen onboard

• Never cross another vessel’s bow at close range

• Shift lightered vessels from Alpha to Bravo/Charlie anchorage to free space

• Do not rely solely on ECDIS; cross-check with paper charts

• Minimum 12 ropes (including polypropylene) required for berthing

• Keep stern trim of 0.20m for optimal channel navigation

• Avoid loose gear/mooring ropes on deck while at anchor

• Jetties 2–13:

  • LOA up to 170.00m (10 knots min speed)

  • LOA 170–190.00m (12 knots min speed), draft ≤8.55m

• Other Berths:

  • NCT, DOJ, CUFLJ, KAFCO, GSJ: LOA ≤190.00m

  • NCT-5: LOA ≤170.00m, draft 0.50m below daily limit

  • DOJ-4: LOA ≤160.00m, draft ≤9.50m

  • RM/8, RM/9, RM/10: Max LOAs 186m/186m/145m, with respective draft limits

  • TSP:

    • LOA ≤143.40m, draft 8.25m

    • LOA 143.40–175.25m, draft 7.90m

  • Dry Dock Jetty: LOA ≤190.00m, draft ≤7.50m

• Inward Ships:

  • Must arrive at pilot ground ≥3 hours before daylight high water

  • Priority vessels (RORO/Export) must arrive ≥6 hours before HW

• Outward Ships:

  • Light draft: Depart with first daylight flood

  • Max draft: Depart ~2 hours before high water

• General Movement: Starts 4–5 hours before high tide

• Vessel movement depends on berth, draft, daylight, & tide

• Prior consultation with Harbor Master (24 hrs in advance) is essential

• Declare accurate freshwater draft before harbor entry

• Maintain full engine & deck machinery power

• Display signal letters during entry/exit

• Use 12 certified mooring lines (6 forward, 6 aft)

• Install rat guards on mooring lines

• Ensure visibility of draft marks at all times

• Strictly avoid excessive smoke, water discharge on jetty, or vessel listing

• Emergency tug signal: Four prolonged blasts

• CPA operates VTMIS (Vessel Traffic Management & Information System) 24/7

• VHF watch on Channel 12 (156.6 MHz) and Channel 16 (156.8 MHz)

• Radio watch on 2182 kHz also maintained

• Night Navigation:

  • Permitted for LOA ≤170.00m, draft ≤0.50m below daily limit

  • No night operations for vessels with bridge on bow or obstructed forward view

• Height Restrictions:

  • Max mast height = 52 meters (due to overhead cables at Jetties 2–13)

  • CAR CARRIER/Passenger/RORO vessels must comply with height and wind limits

• Demolition Vessels: Anchor at designated scrap anchorage (North of Alpha)

Trusted Local Maritime Assistance

For shipowners, charterers, and masters navigating CPA’s stringent entry protocols, partnering with an experienced local operator can ensure smoother operations.

Prantik Group, a leading port service provider in Bangladesh, offers dependable support for vessel lightering, anchorage coordination, crew transfer, and logistics at Chattogram Port.

• Avoid crossing other vessels’ bows in the outer anchorage

• Use 9 shackles of chain for draft >8.0m or for lightering

• Anchor only at CPA-approved positions with proper clearance

• Follow COLREGs (1972) + 2002 amendments strictly

• Use of pilot ladders must meet IMO standards

• CPA reserves right to deny entry for misdeclarations or unsafe conditions

Summary

The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has implemented detailed protocols for safe, efficient, and secure vessel handling within its jurisdiction. Understanding and complying with these operational and navigational guidelines ensures smooth port entry, reduces maritime risk, and promotes safer trade.

For updated movement schedules, tide data, and vessel planning assistance — agents and shipmasters should always consult the CPA Deputy Conservator’s office ahead of time.