The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has signed a landmark 30-year concession agreement with APM Terminals BV, a subsidiary of Denmark’s AP Møller–Maersk Group, to design, finance, build, and operate the upcoming Laldia Container Terminal (LCT) under a public-private partnership framework. The agreement allows potential extensions based on performance indicators and marks a major milestone in Bangladesh’s efforts to modernise its maritime logistics.
Under the deal, CPA will retain ownership of the terminal, while Maersk and its local joint-venture partner will oversee construction and operations. Officials noted that the PPP model significantly reduces the government’s capital expenditure burden and brings world-class expertise to the country’s port sector.
The project is expected to attract around USD 550 million in Foreign Direct Investment, making it the largest European equity investment in Bangladesh to date. Authorities believe that the entry of a global operator like Maersk will help draw additional international investment into logistics, manufacturing, and related industries.
Once operational, the terminal will add more than 800,000 TEUs annually—an increase of about 44% over current capacity—helping ease congestion at existing facilities and improving efficiency across the supply chain. Construction and operations are expected to generate 500–700 direct jobs and thousands of indirect employment opportunities in transport, warehousing, freight forwarding, and SME sectors.
The Laldia project will introduce advanced terminal-operating systems, global standards, and greener infrastructure. Maersk will also provide specialised training to local engineers, technicians, and managers, supporting long-term skill development in Bangladesh’s logistics industry. Improved vessel turnaround times and enhanced container handling capabilities are expected to reduce logistics costs, benefiting key export sectors such as garments, agro-processing, and light engineering.
Energy-efficient equipment and climate-resilient infrastructure will align the terminal with Bangladesh’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and support the country’s shift toward green and climate-smart investments. Increased throughput is also expected to drive growth in inland container depots, industrial parks, and cold chain facilities, boosting hinterland development.
Officials said the concession deal demonstrates Bangladesh’s ability to manage complex PPP projects and is expected to pave the way for further private investment in transport, energy, and social infrastructure. Positioned as Bangladesh’s flagship green port, the Laldia Container Terminal is expected to strengthen the nation’s trade competitiveness and reshape its maritime logistics landscape.
