News / Chittagong Port Authority seeks help with privatisation of box terminals

Chittagong port © Asmtamanna |

Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) is seeking consultancy firms to help it develop “a more streamlined approach” to fee formation and implementation procedures, considering this essential to the success of its transformation into a “landlord model” of port operations.

In moving towards leasing-out the operation and running of infrastructure and terminals, it wants the successful consultancy to recommend and assess the feasibility of implementing the fee structure across all its terminals.

CPA spokesperson Omar Faruk said: “Presently there is no fee policy for Chittagong port. There should be a policy for increasing or decreasing these fees, as well as whether they’ll be realised in local currency or dollars and whether they’ll be different for local and foreign operators.

“By having this information available in written form, stakeholders can take forward-looking decisions. While planning a policy, we’re taking into consideration all formats – the landlord system, public private partnership, and other government-approved guidelines.”

The CPA is particularly keen on a “scientific mechanism” that would allow it conduct periodic reviews and adjustments of the fees, aligned with market conditions, inflation, and changes in operations. Moreover, it has to recommend a governance and monitoring framework.

At present, the majority of the Chittagong terminals are operated by the port authority, except for the Patenga (PCT), which became the first to run under the landlord model after it was taken on by the Red Sea Gateway Terminal International in 2024.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s interim government is set to hand over the operation of the New-mooring Container Terminal (NCT), the largest in Chittagong, to Dubai-based DP World, which with PSA Singapore is set to build two box facilities at Bay Terminal.

As if that was not enough, Maersk subsidiary APM Terminals will construct a new box terminal at Laldia, in Chittagong, with each of the new constructions being accompanied by major investment for the acquisition of equipment and the construction.