Posted on June 17, 2026
The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) has commenced emergency maintenance dredging at the Matarbari Deep Seaport channel to restore navigability and ensure the safe and uninterrupted movement of vessels.
The initiative follows a recent increase in sediment accumulation, which has reduced the channel’s depth and raised concerns over vessel operations.
At present, the channel is being used by coal-carrying vessels serving the Matarbari power project, while larger LNG carriers are expected to begin using the route in the near future.
Officials said maintaining the required draft has become essential to ensuring uninterrupted fuel imports and supporting the country’s expanding maritime trade activities.
Following an assessment of the channel’s geographical and morphological conditions, experts recommended the deployment of a Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD), which is considered the most effective method of removing accumulated sediment from the channel, according to a CPA press release issued on Tuesday evening.
Accordingly, dredging operations have begun using TSHD King Copper, a dredger owned by a Chinese company.
Matarbari Deep Seaport is regarded as one of Bangladesh’s most significant maritime infrastructure projects and is expected to play a pivotal role in facilitating international trade and supporting long-term economic growth.
Port officials said that maintaining navigability through regular dredging would enable large commercial and energy-carrying vessels to enter the port safely, the release added.
