DP World seals 15-yr NCT deal

UAE-based global port operator DP World has secured a 15-year concession to operate and manage the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram port, in a major government push to overhaul the country’s key trade gateway and close a widening efficiency gap with regional and global ports.
Under the public-private partnership, DP World will invest more than Tk1,000 crore in the first 10 years to modernise NCT with new equipment, technology and operating systems. 
The agreement was signed on Thursday at the Invest Bangladesh auditorium in Dhaka.
Ownership of NCT, its land and core infrastructure will remain with the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) and the Government of Bangladesh. DP World will receive operating rights for an initial 15 years, with any extension subject to specified conditions and mutual agreement.
The agreement includes an upfront fee of about Tk600 crore, with 25% payable on signing and the remaining 75% before operations begin. CPA will also receive a share of terminal revenue, estimated at 40% to 67% per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), depending on average terminal revenue, along with a fixed annual fee of about Tk10 crore.
DP World has also committed to a minimum annual throughput of 1.23 million TEUs. The threshold may be reduced to 1 million TEUs once a new terminal becomes operational.
Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said the government wanted to unlock the capacity of existing strategic assets rapidly.
“Modern equipment, digital systems, international operating standards and global logistics connections will make NCT more competitive,” he said.
He said the government’s broader policy was to engage multiple international operators across terminals to improve service quality and reliability and strengthen supply chain resilience.
DP World Board of Directors Chairman Essa Kazim said the company would connect NCT to its global network of ports, logistics infrastructure and supply chain services, creating more efficient links between Bangladesh and international markets and supporting trade, investment and business opportunities.
CPA Chairman Rear Admiral Md Moniruzzaman said the deal demonstrated the authority’s commitment to strengthening maritime and trade infrastructure through PPPs.
“NCT plays a critical role in supporting the country’s trade and logistics ecosystem, and this agreement will enhance operational performance, ease logistics constraints, and strengthen connectivity with international markets,” he said.
Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Chowdhury said the objective was to move trade “at global speed”, describing the deal as an important step towards faster operations, stronger connectivity and higher standards at one of Bangladesh’s most important trade gateways.
NCT handles about 44% of Chattogram Port’s container traffic, making its performance critical to the national supply chain. Yet the port remains far behind international peers on productivity.
The 2025 Container Port Performance Index ranked Chattogram Port 364th out of 400 container ports worldwide. Container dwell time exceeds nine days, compared with less than two days at peer ports, while vessels spend more than 2.5 days in port against benchmark times of 15–24 hours.
Chattogram Port handles about 92% of Bangladesh’s foreign trade. The government estimates that operational inefficiencies and inadequate modernisation cost the economy around Tk10 crore a day, or more than Tk3,000 crore a year. World Bank data cited by the government indicate that cutting container dwell time by one day could raise Bangladesh’s exports by about 7.4%.
The concession sets performance targets for areas including truck turnaround and crane productivity. Missing a target for three consecutive months will trigger financial penalties. CPA will retain oversight through monitoring, audits and weekly and monthly reporting on container and vessel handling, revenue and other performance indicators.
The government said the arrangement would not affect Bangladesh’s sovereignty or existing security arrangements. The Navy, Coast Guard, Immigration, Customs and other state agencies will retain their respective responsibilities.
Local employment will also continue, with workers to be systematically transitioned under the concession. Training and skills development are expected to strengthen the country’s port and logistics workforce.
The selection process began in March 2023 after the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs gave in-principle approval. The Transaction Structure Report was approved in October 2025, followed by the request for proposals in January 2026.
Bids were received on 25 January, with negotiations continuing until 6 August. The CPA Board approved the arrangement on 16 September, followed by Cabinet Committee approval on 1 October.
The agreement was signed by CPA Chairman Rear Admiral Md Moniruzzaman and DP World Executive Chairman Essa Kazim.
NCT began operations in 2007 and has been managed by Chittagong Dry Dock Limited, under the Bangladesh Navy, since July 2025.
Meanwhile, Denmark-based APM Terminals is developing the Laldia Container Terminal, Bangladesh’s fifth container terminal, which is expected to be ready by 2030. 

PM, DP World chairman discuss port, logistics investment

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday discussed expanding trade and investment between Bangladesh and the UAE, as well as developing the country’s port management and logistics sectors, with DP World Chairman Essa Kazim.
A delegation led by the DP World chairman met the prime minister in Dhaka and discussed the 15-year concession agreement signed between Bangladesh and DP World to operate and modernise the Chattogram Container Terminal.
Under the agreement, DP World will operate and maintain the container terminal and its overflow container yard.
The partnership is expected to help modernise the terminal, improve operational efficiency and strengthen Bangladesh’s port and logistics infrastructure.
During the meeting, the prime minister also sought to know about DP World’s interest in establishing a free trade zone and a rail-based inland container depot in Bangladesh, as well as making new investments in the country.
The delegation expressed interest in cooperation and investment in these areas.
The meeting also covered various issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and the UAE.