Mongla Port

Last Updated: 24 Sep 2025

Mongla Port is a seaport located in Mongla, Bagerhat District, in southwestern Bangladesh. It is the second largest seaport in Bangladesh and serves as a major hub for the export of goods such as jute, leather, and frozen seafood. Mongla Port is equipped with modern facilities, including a container terminal, oil terminal, and a dry dock. It is connected to the rest of the country by a network of highways and rail lines, making it easily accessible for businesses and industries located throughout Bangladesh.

Brief Details

Port	Mongla Port
UN Locator Code	BDMGL
Location	Latitude / Longitude: 22.50034° / 89.5905°
Anchorage Area	Mongla Port's operations include both shore-based facilities and a sheltered anchorage located in the Pussur River. The available water depth at the anchorage ranges from a minimum of 5.9 meters to a maximum of 17.0 meters at the Lowest Low Water Datum (LLWD). The distance from the Mongla fairway buoy to the port's jetty is 71 nautical miles
Pilot boarding	Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels entering and leaving the Port of Mongla. The pilot boarding procedure is a critical part of the port call, given the long and intricate river channel. Pilot Boarding Ground Location The pilot boarding station for the Port of Mongla is located at Hiron Point, a significant distance from the main jetties. Location: Hiron Point is in the Pashur River, approximately 71 nautical miles from the main port jetty. Coordinates: The pilot boarding ground is located at approximately: Latitude: 21° 48.8' N Longitude: 089° 31.30' E This location is deep within the river estuary and is well-known to mariners calling at the port. Pilot Boarding Procedure Vessel Notification: The vessel's agent must provide the Mongla Port Authority (MPA) with an Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) at least 72 hours in advance. This allows the port to schedule the pilot and tugs. Communication: The vessel's master must establish contact with the Pilot Station at Hiron Point on VHF Channel 16 or 12 as the vessel approaches the Mongla Fairway Buoy. Transit to Pilot Station: Vessels must navigate from the Fairway Buoy to Hiron Point. The pilot station will provide specific instructions and guidance for crossing the bar and navigating this initial stretch of the river, which can be challenging due to siltation. Pilot Boarding: Once at Hiron Point, the vessel will prepare its pilot ladder in accordance with international regulations. The pilot boat will come alongside, and the pilot will board to take control of the vessel's navigation. Channel Navigation: The pilot will guide the vessel through the river channel, which is marked by 64 lighted buoys, to the designated berth or anchorage. The journey from the pilot station to the jetty takes several hours due to the long distance and the need to navigate with the tides.
Maneuvering time from Anchorage to Berth	The maneuvering time for a vessel to travel from the anchorage to a berth at the Port of Mongla is significantly longer than at Chittagong. This is due to the great distance of the pilot boarding station from the main port facilities. • Distance: The pilot boarding station is located at Hiron Point, which is approximately 71 nautical miles from the main port jetty • Time: The transit time for this journey can vary greatly depending on the vessel's speed and the tidal flow. It can take several hours, typically ranging from 6 to 10 hours or more, for a vessel to make the journey from Hiron Point to the jetties. • Tidal Influence: The pilot will navigate the vessel with the tide to ensure adequate water depth, which can significantly affect the overall travel time. • Continuous Pilotage: A compulsory pilot from the Mongla Port Authority (MPA) will be on board for this entire stretch of the river, guiding the vessel through the channel, which is marked by 64 lighted buoys. It's important to note that the term anchorage at Mongla can also refer to the Harbaria Anchorage, which is closer to the jetties. The maneuvering time from here would be shorter than from the pilot boarding station at Hiron Point, but it is primarily used for lightering operations to reduce a vessel's draft before proceeding to the jetties.
VHF Channel Number	For radio communication with the Port of Mongla, vessels should use the following VHF channels: VHF Channel 16, VHF Channel 11 & VHF Channel 12
Water Density	: The water density at the Port of Mongla is not constant. It is a brackish water port, meaning it is a mixture of saltwater from the Bay of Bengal and freshwater from the upstream rivers, primarily the Pashur. Factors Affecting Water Density • Tidal Cycle: The water density fluctuates significantly with the tides. During high tide, more saline seawater pushes into the river, increasing the density. During low tide, the flow of freshwater dominates, reducing the density. • Seasonal Variation: The density is also heavily influenced by the monsoon season (June to October), when a massive influx of freshwater from heavy rainfall and river flow significantly reduces the salinity and density. During the dry season, the salinity and density increase. • Location: The water density varies along the channel. o At the Outer Bar, where the river meets the sea, the density is higher and can vary from 1005 to 1025 kg/m3. o Closer to the Mongla jetties, the influence of freshwater is greater, and the density is lower, varying from 1002 to 1015 kg/m3. This variation in water density is a critical consideration for a vessel's draft. A ship that has a specific draft in high-density seawater will sink slightly deeper when it enters the lower-density brackish water of the river. This phenomenon, known as the density effect, must be factored into the under-keel clearance calculations to prevent grounding.
Weather	updated soon.....
BA Charts required	BA Chart 859: Approaches to Mongla & BA Chart 860: Pashur River from Hiron Point to Mongla
Stevedoring Working Hrs	Stevedoring operations at the Port of Mongla, like at the Port of Chattogram, run on a 24-hour basis, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The port and its labor force work in shifts to ensure a continuous flow of cargo handling operations. Working Shift Details While the port is operational continuously, the work is organized into three main shifts: 1. First Shift: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM 2. Second Shift: 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM (midnight) 3. Third Shift: 12:00 AM to 8:00 AM This system ensures that vessels can be worked on around the clock, which is crucial for minimizing turnaround time. Key Aspects of Stevedoring Operations • Continuous Operations: Cargo handling, including loading and discharging, continues through the night and on holidays. • Holiday Schedule: While operations are scheduled on all days, there might be temporary suspensions or a reduced workforce on major national and religious holidays like Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. • Weather Impact: Operations can be suspended for safety reasons during adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, thunderstorms, or cyclones, which are common during the monsoon season. • Flexibility: The port's management and stevedoring companies are generally flexible and will work with vessel agents and owners to schedule operations as needed to meet tight deadlines. The 24/7 working schedule is a key factor in the Port of Mongla's efforts to increase its efficiency and attract more vessel traffic.
Tide	: Please click this link for tide update https://mpa.gov.bd/site/page/22a77c37-e34b-4f2a-b59e-da15e01833c7/-
Discharge Facility	: The Port of Mongla offers a variety of discharge facilities to handle different types of cargo. The facilities are a mix of traditional jetties for break-bulk and modern terminals for containers, with a significant reliance on mid-stream lightering operations. Here is a breakdown of the main discharge facilities: 1. Main Jetties The port has a number of main jetties for both conventional and containerized cargo. • Jetties 1 to 11: The port has a total of 11 jetties. These are multi-purpose and can handle a variety of cargo. Some are equipped with cranes for handling general cargo, while others are used by geared container vessels or for bulk cargo discharge using shore-based equipment. 2. Container Handling Facilities • Container Terminal: The port has a dedicated container terminal with modern equipment. The discharge of containers is handled by a combination of a vessel's own gear and mobile harbor cranes. The port has invested in new mobile cranes with a lifting capacity of up to 100 tons to facilitate container operations. • Open Container Yard: The port has an open container yard with a capacity of about 15,000 TEUs, where containers are stacked using reach stackers and forklifts. 3. Bulk and Liquid Cargo Facilities A significant portion of Mongla's operations involves the discharge of bulk cargo. • Lightering Operations: This is the most crucial discharge facility for bulk cargo. Large vessels carrying cargo like cement clinker, coal, and food grains discharge their cargo at the designated Harbaria Anchorage into smaller vessels (lighters or barges). The discharge is done using a combination of a vessel's own gear and mobile hoppers that transfer the cargo to the barges. • Swinging Moorings: The port also has 12 swinging moorings in deeper sections of the Pashur River. These are essentially floating berths where vessels can discharge bulk cargo and liquid cargo using hoses or their own gear. • Specialized Jetties: There are also specialized facilities, such as the jetties used by the Khulna Newsprint Mills and the Khulna Shipyard, for handling specific cargo related to those industries. 4. Vehicle Handling • Dedicated Yard: Mongla is the main port for the import of reconditioned vehicles into Bangladesh. There is a dedicated yard for the storage of these vehicles after they are discharged from roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels at the jetties. The port is continuously upgrading its facilities to handle a wider variety of cargo more efficiently. Ongoing dredging of the channel and the acquisition of new equipment are key parts of this strategy.
Vessel Age Permitted	: Age limit is not explicitly published, it is widely understood in the shipping industry that vessels over 20-25 years old will likely face more scrutiny and potential delays.
Minimum Crane Outreach	: The Port of Mongla has a mix of older and modern cranes, and their outreach capabilities vary. The port's recent investments in new equipment have significantly improved its cargo handling capacity. Here are the details regarding the crane outreac

Terminal Details

					Shore Crane
Berth No	LOA(Mrts)	Beam(Mtrs)	Draft(Mtrs)	DWT	Qty	SWL	Cargo Handled
Mongla Port
1 to 11	225	No restriction	9.50	Varies	Varies by berth	Varies by crane.	General Cargo, Containerized Cargo (Geared Vessels), Bulk Cargo, Vehicles
Swinging Moorings	225	No restriction	17.00	Varies	No shore crane (uses vessel's gear)	NA	Dry Bulk Cargo, Liquid Bulk Cargo

General Details

Vessel Restriction Note :

The Port of Mongla, located on the Pashur River, has specific vessel restrictions that are crucial for safe navigation, given its tidal nature and riverine location. These restrictions primarily concern vessel dimensions, speed, and navigation times.
Key Restrictions

• Maximum Permissible Draft: The maximum draft is typically 9.5 meters. However, this is not a fixed limit. The permissible draft for any given day is subject to the daily tidal forecast and is determined by the Mongla Port Authority (MPA). During the monsoon season (June to October), when the river flow is higher, vessels with a draft of up to 10.5 meters may be able to cross the outer bar during spring tides.
• Maximum Permissible LOA (Length Overall): The maximum LOA for vessels allowed to enter the port is 225 meters.
• Night Navigation: Night navigation is permitted at Mongla Port, which is a major advantage compared to some other ports in the region. However, there are restrictions: vessels with an LOA exceeding 175 meters are generally not permitted to navigate the channel at night.

• Speed: All vessels navigating the Pashur River channel must maintain a minimum speed of 8 knots to ensure steerage and control against the strong river currents and tides. During periods of high water flow, such as during the monsoon or spring tides, this minimum speed may be increased to 10 knots or more.
• Vessel Age: The MPA does not have a strict, published age limit for vessels. However, any vessel over 20-25 years old will likely face increased scrutiny and may require additional inspections and valid certificates from a recognized classification society before being granted entry.
• Special Vessel Restrictions: Specific types of vessels, such as older tankers, those with their bridge located on the bow, or those with deck cargo obstructing the forward view, may face additional restrictions or may not be allowed to navigate at night for safety reasons.
• Pilotage: Pilotage is compulsory for all ocean-going vessels. The pilot's instructions are final and must be followed for safe passage. The pilot boards the vessel at Hiron Point, which is about 71 nautical miles from the main jetties.

Key Restrictions
• Maximum Permissible Draft: The maximum draft is typically 9.5 meters. However, this is not a fixed limit. The permissible draft for any given day is subject to the daily tidal forecast and is determined by the Mongla Port Authority (MPA). During the monsoon season (June to October), when the river flow is higher, vessels with a draft of up to 10.5 meters may be able to cross the outer bar during spring tides.

• Maximum Permissible LOA (Length Overall): The maximum LOA for vessels allowed to enter the port is 225 meters.

• Night Navigation: Night navigation is permitted at Mongla Port, which is a major advantage compared to some other ports in the region. However, there are restrictions: vessels with an LOA exceeding 175 meters are generally not permitted to navigate the channel at night.

• Speed: All vessels navigating the Pashur River channel must maintain a minimum speed of 8 knots to ensure steerage and control against the strong river currents and tides. During periods of high water flow, such as during the monsoon or spring tides, this minimum speed may be increased to 10 knots or more.

• Vessel Age: The MPA does not have a strict, published age limit for vessels. However, any vessel over 20-25 years old will likely face increased scrutiny and may require additional inspections and valid certificates from a recognized classification society before being granted entry.

• Special Vessel Restrictions: Specific types of vessels, such as older tankers, those with their bridge located on the bow, or those with deck cargo obstructing the forward view, may face additional restrictions or may not be allowed to navigate at night for safety reasons.

• Pilotage: Pilotage is compulsory for all ocean-going vessels. The pilot's instructions are final and must be followed for safe passage. The pilot boards the vessel at Hiron Point, which is about 71 nautical miles from the main jetties.

Navigation Details :

Navigating to the Port of Mongla is a complex process due to the long river channel and tidal conditions. Here are the key navigation details.

Pilotage
Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels entering and leaving the port. The pilot boards the vessel at Hiron Point, which is approximately 71 nautical miles from the main port jetties. The pilot's instructions are mandatory for safe navigation.

Navigational Channels & Buoys
The passage from the Bay of Bengal to the port is a long river channel. The channel is marked by a series of 64 lighted buoys to guide vessels.
• The Pashur River is a tidal channel with a depth that fluctuates.
• The water density is brackish, a mixture of saltwater and freshwater, and varies with the tides and seasons.
• Navigational aids, including buoys, can sometimes shift due to strong tides, so mariners must stay updated on navigational warnings.
Anchorage & Mooring
The port has a sheltered anchorage area within the Pashur River.
• The Harbaria Anchorage is a key area for vessels to wait for a berth or to perform lightening operations to reduce their draft.
• The port also has 12 swinging moorings in deeper parts of the river, which serve as floating berths.
Maneuvering Time
The transit time from the pilot boarding station at Hiron Point to the main jetties is very long, typically taking 6 to 10 hours or more, depending on the vessel's speed and the tidal flow. This is a crucial factor in a vessel's schedule.
Radio Communication
Vessels must maintain a continuous watch on specific VHF channels for communication with port authorities.
• VHF Channel 16: The international distress, safety, and calling channel.
• VHF Channel 11: The primary working channel for Port Control and the Hiron Point Pilot Station for operational communication.

• Maximum LOA of vessels: 225 meters

• Tidal range: between 1.2 and 3.5 meter

• Pilotage : Compulsory

• Night navigation is permissible for outward and inward movement of ships up to 175m LOA.

• 64 Lighted buoys are available at the Channel. Conical shape buoys are on starboard side and can shape buoys on the port side.

Cargo Handling & Loading & Discharing Rate

The cargo handling and loading/discharging rates at the Port of Mongla vary significantly depending on the type of cargo (containerized, bulk, or general) and the specific equipment used.
Here is a breakdown of the cargo handling rates:
Container Handling Rate
The port has made significant progress in container handling efficiency with recent equipment upgrades.
• Containers Per Hour: The average container handling productivity has increased to 15 containers per hour per crane from a previous average of eight containers per hour. This improvement is primarily due to the acquisition of new mobile harbor cranes.
• Overall Productivity: The port has a target to handle 100,000 TEUs of containers annually, which it hopes to achieve with its modernizing infrastructure.
Bulk Cargo Handling Rate
A large portion of the port's traffic consists of bulk cargo, such as cement clinker, coal, and food grains.
• Per Day Rate: The port has set a target of handling 12 million tonnes of cargo in the fiscal year 2025-26. This translates to a daily average of over 32,000 tonnes.
• Lightering Operations: A significant amount of bulk cargo is discharged mid-stream into smaller vessels (lighters or barges) at the Harbaria Anchorage. The discharge rate for these operations is highly dependent on the number of working gangs and the efficiency of the vessel's own gear.

Port Equipment related information.

The Port of Mongla has a mix of older and modern equipment for handling a variety of cargo, with ongoing efforts to upgrade its fleet. The port's equipment is a crucial part of its strategy to increase efficiency and attract more vessel traffic.

Container Handling Equipment
While Mongla is not as well-equipped for container handling as Chattogram, it has invested in key equipment to improve its capabilities.

Mobile Harbor Cranes (MHC): The port has acquired new MHCs that are capable of handling vessels up to 12 container rows wide. This is a significant improvement that allows the port to serve a greater variety of container ships.

Straddle Carriers: The port has procured straddle carriers with a capacity of up to 40 tons to move and stack containers efficiently in the yard.

Reach Stackers: These are used for stacking containers in the yards, with a focus on modernizing the fleet to improve productivity.

Forklifts: A variety of forklifts are used, with capacities ranging from smaller units to heavy-duty trucks of 30 tons.

General and Bulk Cargo Equipment
The port's primary focus has long been on general and bulk cargo, and it has a wide range of equipment for this purpose.

Mobile Cranes: The port uses various mobile cranes with different capacities, including those with lifting capacities of 50 tons at a 10-meter radius and multi-purpose cranes for handling a variety of general cargo.

Excavators and Payloaders: These are used for the efficient loading and unloading of bulk cargo like coal, clinker, and grain.

Vessel Husbandry Services & General Information : -

Vessel husbandry services at the Port of Mongla are comprehensive and are provided by a number of specialized local agents. These services are crucial for a smooth port call and cover all aspects of a vessel's and crew's needs.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the key husbandry services available at Mongla Port:

1. Crew Management and Support
Crew Change: This is a vital service, and many agencies specialize in it. They handle all formalities for crew signing on and off, including immigration clearances, visas, and permits. They also arrange safe and reliable local transportation from the nearest airport (Jessore or Dhaka) to the port.

-Medical Assistance: Arranging for medical appointments, emergency medical care, and hospital visits for crew members.
-Repatriation: Facilitating the repatriation of seafarers, including arranging travel documents and international flights.
-Cash-to-Master (CTM): Providing cash in local currency to the vessel's master to cover operational expenses and crew welfare.

2. Ship Chandling and Provisions
-Provisions: Supplying a full range of fresh, frozen, and dry provisions to the vessel, including local and imported items.
-Bonded Stores: Delivering duty-free goods like cigarettes, alcohol, and other items for the crew.
-Technical Stores: Supplying essential deck, engine, and cabin stores, including spare parts, lubricants, cleaning supplies, and safety equipment.

3. Bunkering and Fresh Water Supply
-Bunkering: The port provides bunkering services for various types of marine fuels, including IFO, MGO, and MDO. Bunkering is typically done by barge or truck.
-Fresh Water: The supply of fresh, potable water to vessels is arranged, often by barge at the anchorage or by hose at the jetties.

4. Technical and Maintenance Services
-Ship Spares Logistics: Handling the customs clearance and delivery of ship spares from an international airport to the vessel at the port or anchorage. This is a specialized service that requires expertise in local regulations.
-Repairs: Coordinating and supervising minor and emergency repairs on board, including electrical, mechanical, and welding work.
-Surveys and Inspections: Arranging for various surveys and inspections by class societies and other authorized bodies.
-Waste Disposal: Arranging for the disposal of garbage, sludge, and other waste materials in compliance with MARPOL and local environmental regulations.

5. Port and Customs Documentation
-Port Agency: Acting as the vessel owner's local representative, handling all port clearances, documentation, and coordination with the Mongla Port Authority (MPA) and other local authorities.
-Owner's Protective Agency (OPA): Providing a protective agent to oversee the charterer's or receiver's agent's activities, ensuring the shipowner's interests are safeguarded.

Financial Management: Handling all financial transactions, including disbursement accounts, and ensuring transparency and cost-effectiveness for the principal.

Marine Tariff