A Multivariate Ratio Analysis (MRA) of the Financial and Operational Performance of Chittagong Port
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Chittagong port is considered as the primary gateway to Bangladesh's emerging economy. Since its establishment in 1887, the port has served Bangladesh as its major seaport by providing shore-based and other facilities. However, in the year 2020, the global pandemic COVID-19 had impacted Bangladesh, which severely halted the import-export trade of Chittagong port. Although the port activities remained operational, the advancement in performance was hindered throughout the time. This study aims to analyze the financial and operational performance of the Chittagong port and the recovery of the port activities post-COVID-19, offering valuable insights into its resilience and efficiency improvements. This study is quantitative, and we have conducted Multivariate Ratio Analysis (MRA). We have collected data from secondary sources (Audited Annual Reports) from the fiscal years 2016-17 to 2022-23. Findings reveal that the Chittagong port exhibited substantial growth during the fiscal years 2019-20 to 2022-23, with a significant increase of over 100% in key financial profitability measures. The liquidity measures showed modest improvement, the efficiency measures were improved by 25% and the Debt-Equity Ratio experienced a 21.74% increase. Along with that, the operational performance indicator showed a 23.43% improvement in the ship turnaround time. Following that, other operational efficiency indicators also showcased notable changes. During the post-COVID-19 recovery period from fiscal years 2019-20 to 2022-23, the total cargo tonnage increased by 16.46% and the berth occupancy rate declined by 12.57%. However, container handling portrayed barely any improvement, highlighting the congestion challenges in port terminals. The findings of this study are aimed at enabling port authorities and policymakers to foster the long-term viability and effectiveness of the port by making considered decisions relating to growth and crisis management strategies.
Language: English
Topic: Maritime Ports and Logistics
Subfield: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204207947