A major milestone has been reached in the policy framework to transfer operations of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT)—Chittagong Port’s largest and most vital container handling facility—to an international operator. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has formally approved a draft 15-year concession agreement submitted by the Ministry of Shipping.
Under the terms of the approved draft, the terminal’s Overflow Container Yard (OCY) will also fall under the operational jurisdiction of the foreign operator.
Constructed in 2007 at a cost of approximately BDT 2,000 crore, the NCT features 5 jetties and houses 14 of Chittagong Port’s 18 quay gantry cranes.
Background: The process to engage an international terminal operator under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model initiated in 2019 and received policy clearance in March 2023. However, procedural progress was halted ahead of the parliamentary elections earlier this year following strikes by port workers and officers.
Bilateral Momentum: Talks accelerated during the 4th Joint Bangladesh-Dubai PPP meeting in Dubai in April. Subsequently, in June, the Chittagong Port Authority formed a 12-member support team to facilitate discussions. The terminal is currently managed by Chittagong Dry Dock Limited, an entity under the Bangladesh Navy.
Following the committee’s clearance of the draft agreement, the Chittagong Port Protection Action Council voiced strong opposition. In a joint statement, coordinators Mohammad Humayun Kabir and Mohammad Ibrahim Khokhan highlighted critical risks:
Risk of Revenue Loss: During the 2025–26 fiscal year, Chittagong Port handled 3.5 million TEUs of containers, over 40% of which passed through the NCT. The terminal generated approximately BDT 4,500 crore in gross revenue and BDT 2,500 crore in net profit during this period. Unions warn that transferring management will substantially diminish state earnings.
Forex Outflow & Security Risks: Handing operations over to Dubai-based multinational operator DP World could increase foreign exchange outflows and threaten local port employment.
Equipment Misrepresentation: Union leaders dismissed claims that NCT’s machinery is outdated, calling it a narrative designed to justify the handover, and urged the government to review the decision.
