The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) and global port operator DP World today signed a landmark 15-year concession agreement for the operation and modernization of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), marking a significant step toward boosting the efficiency and capacity of Bangladesh’s primary maritime gateway.
The agreement was signed at the Invest Bangladesh auditorium by CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman and DP World Chairman Essa Kazim. High-level dignitaries including Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam, State Minister for Shipping Md. Rajib Ahsan, UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdulla Ali Al Hamoudi, and Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Chowdhury attended the ceremony.
Under the concession, DP World will manage NCT for 15 years while ownership of the land, infrastructure, and core assets remains with the CPA and the Government of Bangladesh. The agreement includes an upfront payment of around Tk 600 crore, along with a commitment from DP World to invest over Tk 1,000 crore during the first decade to modernize terminal equipment, technology, and operations. Furthermore, CPA will receive a fixed annual fee of approximately Tk 10 crore and a terminal revenue royalty share ranging between 40% and 67% per TEU.
Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam noted that integrating international operating standards and logistics connections will make NCT more competitive, aligned with the government's broader strategy to enhance supply-chain resilience. DP World Chairman Essa Kazim reaffirmed the operator's commitment to seamlessly linking Bangladesh's economy to its global port and supply chain network.
CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman emphasized that the partnership reflects Bangladesh's resolve to strengthen trade infrastructure through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework while maintaining national oversight and security control.
Currently handling around 44% of Chattogram Port's container traffic, NCT's upgrade aims to drastically reduce long container dwell times and vessel turnaround times, tackling inefficiencies that currently cost the national economy an estimated Tk 10 crore daily.
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Reported by Staff Reporter • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
