Saudi firm set to operate CCT

Following the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), the Chattogram Container Terminal (CCT) is also set to come under the management of a foreign operator, with the government initiating the process to appoint Saudi Arabia-based Red Sea Gateway Terminal International (RSGTI).

The Ministry of Shipping directed the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) on September 28 to begin the process of appointing RSGTI as the operator of CCT. The terminal is currently operated by local private company Saif Powertec Limited.

The ministry also asked the Invest Bangladesh Authority to process the appointment letter for RSGTI. The company has expressed interest in operating CCT, the General Cargo Berth (GCB) and the Bay Port-Multipurpose Terminal under the public-private partnership (PPP) framework.

RSGTI and Dubai-based DP World separately submitted proposals to operate CCT in April, while local business group MGH Group also submitted a proposal. RSGTI has expressed interest in operating both CCT and GCB and previously indicated plans to invest around $1 billion if given the opportunity.

CCT handled around 16% of Chattogram Port’s container throughput in 2025, according to reports.

Meanwhile, the government has given in-principle approval to a draft 15-year concession agreement for an international operator to operate and maintain NCT and its Overflow Container Yard (OCY). Dubai-based DP World has been identified as the proposed operator under the PPP arrangement.

The Chattogram Port Protection Committee has opposed the move, demanding that the proposed NCT concession and the process of leasing CCT be cancelled.

At a press conference at Chattogram Press Club on Saturday, the committee said the government should make a clear announcement by October 5. Otherwise, it would announce further programmes following a planned daylong sit-in at the port’s main gate on October 5.

Committee member secretary Fazlul Kabir Mintu said a comprehensive and transparent assessment should be made public before a major terminal such as NCT is handed over under a long-term concession.

The CPA’s secretary, Syed Refayet Hamim, declined to comment on the proposed leasing of NCT or other terminals.

Chattogram Port currently has four major container terminals: NCT, CCT, GCB and Patenga Container Terminal (PCT). RSGTI already operates PCT under a 22-year agreement signed in 2023.