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Bangladesh and Dubai-based port operator DP World are set to sign a 15-year concession agreement for the operation and maintenance of Chattogram Port’s New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and its Overflow Container Yard (OCY).
The agreement is scheduled to be signed on Thursday at the Invest Bangladesh Auditorium in Dhaka.
DP World will operate the country’s largest container terminal under the agreement.
NCT handled around 44% of Chattogram Port’s total container traffic last year, making it a strategically important facility for Bangladesh’s international trade.
The terminal is currently operated by Chittagong Dry Dock Limited, a Bangladesh Navy-run entity.
Under the proposed agreement, Chattogram Port Authority will retain ownership and control of the terminal, while DP World will be responsible for its operation, maintenance, equipment upgrades and technological improvements during the 15-year concession period.
The terminal will eventually be handed back to the port authority.
The government says bringing in an experienced international operator will improve efficiency, reduce vessel turnaround and container dwell times, and lower logistics costs.
However, the deal has faced strong opposition from port workers, labour organisations and the Chattogram Port Protection Committee.
Protesters have demanded that the plan be cancelled, describing it as a threat to national interests and warning of disruptions to port operations if the agreement goes ahead.
