Operator appointments for key terminals begin in December

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the agent desk at Gate No 4 of the port on Sunday, he said the international tender process is ongoing for the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), Bay Terminal, and Laldia Terminal.

"We intend to appoint at least the first operator for these terminals by December," he added.

The event was also attended by Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, CPA Secretary Mohammad Omar Faruk, and other senior officials.

Commenting on the experience with the current operator of the Patenga Container Terminal (PCT), Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) from Saudi Arabia, the BIDA chairman said the outcome has not been satisfactory.

"RSGT has experience operating in multiple countries but faced many challenges here. We have never worked with an international operator before, and several stages got stuck. They continue to deal with technical issues, so the expected volume has not been achieved," he said.

He added that financial arrangements by RSGT, whether local or abroad, are a matter of their internal structure, and assured that any local loans would be repaid under banking law safeguards.

Highlighting the success of Chittagong Dry Dock Limited (CDDL) in operating the NCT, he said, "When I visited earlier this year, many questioned the need to change operators given CDDL's good performance handling 1.3 million TEUs. However, reports suggest that the terminal can handle up to 1.9 million TEUs, and CDDL expects to surpass last year's record."

He emphasised that technology and best global practices could push capacity beyond current projections and that expert assessments would provide an objective evaluation of CDDL's performance.

"Our sole aim is to serve the national interest and do what is best for the country. If CDDL can maximise capacity, that would be excellent. If bringing in more technology or global expertise can improve operations, we will pursue that," he added.

Addressing broader development concerns, the BIDA chairman noted, "Five-year plan projects in Bangladesh often take 15 years, causing us to fall behind global competitors. We aim to accelerate project completion to keep pace with the world."

He outlined plans to achieve major milestones for the country's ports by December, including signing agreements and starting groundwork to ensure progress continues without interruption during the upcoming election period.

Reflecting on challenges faced following the July 2024 student uprising -- which disrupted container transportation and supply chains for a month -- he stressed the importance of Chittagong Port's efficiency for Bangladesh's ambitions as a global manufacturing hub.

"Chittagong Port must operate at 150 per cent capacity. Industrial zones like BEPZA, BEZA, and Hi-Tech Park depend on the port's smooth functioning," he said.

Praising recent improvements, he said, "CDDL increased container handling by 30 per cent in the first month after taking over the NCT. A similar collaboration between the port, CDDL, and the Navy in 2011 reduced ship turnaround times by 13 per cent. These are encouraging signs."

He also highlighted ongoing reforms and technological advancements at the port, including the introduction of automated software to reduce paperwork, corruption, and harassment.

"Payments can now be made online, which will improve transparency and efficiency. We envision integrating AI at Chittagong Port in the future to increase capacity four to five times by 2030," he said.

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