PRESS
RELEASE

Bangladesh has finalised a major public-private partnership initiative to modernise the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port, bringing investment, technology and international expertise to deliver substantial gains in operational efficiency.

Under a 15-year operational concession, DP World, the international terminal operator owned by the Government of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, will operate and manage NCT. Ownership and control of the terminal, its land and infrastructure will remain with Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) and the Government of Bangladesh.

The concession agreement was signed on Thursday at Invest Bangladesh’s auditorium in the presence of Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam and State Minister for Shipping Md. Rajib Ahsan. H.E. Essa Kazim, Chairman of DP World’s Board of Directors; H.E. Abdulla Ali Al Hamoudi, UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh; and Ashik Chowdhury, Chairman of Invest Bangladesh graced the event. 

Rear Admiral Md. Moniruzzaman, Chairman of CPA, signed on behalf of the port authority. H.E. Essa Kazim, Chairman of DP World’s Board of Directors, signed on behalf of DP World. Government representatives, private sector leaders and members of the media attended the ceremony.

DP World is one of the world’s leading port and logistics operators, managing more than 80 marine and inland terminals across over 40 countries. Its network handles approximately 10% of global container traffic. The company has extensive port operating experience in markets including India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Kingdom and the United States.

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A press briefing followed the signing. The agreement’s principal provisions include:

1. Ownership and duration: CPA retains ownership of NCT. DP World receives operating rights for an initial term of 15 years.
   
   
2. Investment and public revenue: The agreement provides for an upfront fee of approximately BDT 600 crore and an investment commitment exceeding BDT 1,000 crore over the first 10 years for modernisation, equipment and technology. CPA will also receive a share of revenue and a fixed annual fee.
   
   
3. Performance and accountability: The agreement establishes key performance indicators, regular reporting requirements and financial penalties for missed targets. CPA will maintain oversight through monitoring, audits and scheduled reporting.
   
   
4. Security and sovereignty: Existing security protocols administered by the Navy, Coast Guard, Immigration, Customs and other relevant state agencies remain in force. The concession grants operating rights without transferring ownership of land or core assets.
   
   
5. Local employment and skills: Local employment will continue, while modern technology and international training will strengthen skills in Bangladesh’s port and logistics sector.
   
   

Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said: “The government’s aim is to rapidly increase the capacity of existing strategic assets. Modern equipment, digital systems, international operating standards and global logistics connections will make NCT more competitive. Our wider policy is to engage multiple international operators across terminals, improving service quality and reliability and strengthening supply chain resilience.”

His Excellency Essa Kazim, Executive Chairman of DP World, said: “We thank the Government of Bangladesh and the Chittagong Port Authority for awarding this concession on the Public Private Partnership model. Bangladesh is an increasingly important trading and manufacturing economy, and we are committed to supporting its continued development. Through this partnership, DP World will connect the New Mooring Container Terminal to our global network of ports, logistics infrastructure and supply chain services, helping create more seamless links between Bangladesh and international markets. By combining our operational expertise, technology and end-to-end logistics capabilities, we aim to support trade, attract investment and create new opportunities for businesses across the country.”

Rear Admiral Md. Moniruzzaman, Chairman of Chattogram Port Authority, said: “This partnership reflects our commitment to strengthening Bangladesh’s maritime and trade infrastructure through the Public-Private Partnership framework. The New Mooring Container Terminal plays a critical role in supporting the country’s trade and logistics ecosystem, and this agreement will enhance operational performance, ease logistics constraints, and strengthen connectivity with international markets. By supporting domestic industry and facilitating more efficient trade flows, the partnership will strengthen Bangladesh's position in regional and global supply chains while creating a stronger platform for investment and long-term economic growth.”

Ashik Chowdhury, Chairman of Invest Bangladesh, said: “Our objective is to move trade at global speed. Bringing DP World into New Mooring Container Terminal is an important step in that direction. We at Invest Bangladesh are pleased to have supported this major port PPP. We want faster operations, stronger connectivity and higher standards at one of our most important trade gateways. For Bangladesh, it means a port system better equipped for the scale of trade we want to build.”

Port performance and the case for modernisation

The 2025 Container Port Performance Index ranks Chattogram Port 364th among 400 container ports worldwide. Long container dwell times and vessel stays remain significant challenges, alongside the need to improve equipment performance and overall productivity.

Chattogram Port handles approximately 92% of Bangladesh’s foreign trade. Inadequate modernisation and operational inefficiencies are estimated to cost the economy approximately BDT 10 crore a day, or more than BDT 3,000 crore annually. According to World Bank data, reducing container dwell time by just one day could increase Bangladesh’s exports by approximately 7.4%.

NCT is one of four dedicated and operational container handling facilities at Chattogram Port. Since beginning operations in 2007, it has become a central part of the country’s trade infrastructure and now handles approximately 44% of the port’s container traffic. However, Container dwell time at CTG port/NCT exceeds nine days, compared with less than two days at peer ports. Vessels spend more than 2.5 days in port, compared with 15–24 hours at benchmark ports. Chittagong Dry Dock Limited (CDDL), under the Bangladesh Navy, has managed the terminal since July 2025.

A fifth container terminal, the Laldia Container Terminal (LCT), is being developed by Denmark-based global operator APM Terminals and is expected to be ready by 2030.

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