Interest in operating and investing in Bangladesh’s busiest seaport is expanding beyond the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), as both international and domestic firms seek control of additional facilities at Port of Chattogram.
While negotiations over leasing the NCT continue, attention has shifted to the Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT) and the General Cargo Berth (GCB), with multiple operators submitting proposals for modernisation and long-term management.
The port currently operates four major terminals — GCB, CCT, NCT and the Patenga Container Terminal (PCT). Three are dedicated container facilities, while GCB handles both containers and bulk cargo. Saudi Arabia-based Red Sea Gateway Terminal already operates the PCT.
At the fourth Dubai-Bangladesh Joint Platform meeting held in Dubai on April 8, UAE-based DP World expressed interest in operating the CCT in addition to the NCT, proposing to develop both facilities as an integrated terminal complex.
Within weeks, Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) also submitted a proposal to modernise and operate both the GCB and CCT, offering investments exceeding $600 million.
Alongside foreign operators, local conglomerate MGH Group has renewed its push for terminal operations. After earlier proposing upgrades at CCT, the company recently submitted a fresh proposal to operate both CCT and NCT under a public-private partnership model.
Meanwhile, the Berth Operators, Ship Handling Operators and Terminal Operators’ Owners’ Association (BOSTOA), representing 12 local berth operators currently managing the GCB, has proposed a $627 million investment plan to reconstruct and expand the terminal.
According to data from the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), the port handled 3.409 million TEUs in 2025. NCT accounted for 1.321 million TEUs, followed by GCB with 1.083 million TEUs, CCT with 483,000 TEUs and PCT with 153,000 TEUs.
Industry officials said growing interest in existing terminals reflects the appeal of immediate operational revenues, compared with greenfield projects such as the proposed Bay Terminal, which require higher capital investment and longer development timelines.
Negotiations with DP World over NCT operations began during the previous Awami League administration and continued under the interim government. Discussions reportedly neared conclusion before being delayed by labour unrest ahead of the February parliamentary election.
Shipping ministry officials said CCT has also been included in discussions under the Bangladesh-Dubai Joint Platform and may emerge as a separate project in future negotiations.
MGH Group has proposed a revenue-sharing model offering the CPA $98.50 per TEU at NCT, higher than DP World’s earlier proposal of $93.50–$97.50 per container. The company estimates its 15-year concession model could generate around $1.68 billion in payments to the port authority.
MGH Group CEO Anis Ahmed said the company’s local cost structure allows it to offer stronger revenue returns while maintaining operational margins.
BOSTOA President Fazley Ekram Chowdhury said the association’s proposal leverages more than two decades of operational experience at GCB, including plans to reconstruct jetties and expand yards, sheds and warehouse capacity.
