Foreign operators to run three container terminals by December, says shipping secretary

Foreign operators will manage three major container terminals in Bangladesh -- Chattogram’s New Mooring Container Terminal, Laldia Terminal, and Keraniganj’s Pangaon Inland Container Terminal -- by December, the Shipping Ministry Secretary Mohammad Yousuf has said.

He added that the Laldia Terminal will be leased for 30 years, while the other two terminals will operate under 25-year contracts.

He shared the details on Sunday at a seminar organised by the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) in Paltan, Dhaka, titled Investment Potentials in the Ocean-going Shipping Industry.

 “We will not compromise on national interests. Negotiations are ongoing at the highest level, and we hope to finalise a contract by December,” Yousuf said.

Earlier, the ministry had indicated that agreements could be reached by October.

Explaining the delay, he said: “These involve foreign companies. Extensive negotiations are required. We have made significant progress and expect completion by December.”

Highlighting regional precedent, Yusuf said that foreign operators run ports in India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.

 “If it works there, why would it be an issue here? Strategically and geographically, handing over Chittagong to foreign operators is manageable,” he said.

He emphasised cost savings for local businesses: “Now, a ship pays $15,000 per day in waiting fees. It takes three to four days to unload cargo. Reducing that time by half will cut costs for businesses and avoid unnecessary waiting charges.”