Bangladesh is facing renewed competition over the operation of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port, as a domestically backed consortium has entered the race while the government continues negotiations with Dubai-based global port operator DP World. Read here
A consortium comprising Saif Powertec, Cosmos Enterprise and Everest Port Services has formally proposed to operate the country’s largest container terminal under a service-based model, according to officials familiar with the development. The move introduces a new dimension to an already sensitive and strategically important decision involving Bangladesh’s primary seaport.
The proposal comes at a time when the government is still engaged in discussions with DP World over a potential long-term concession agreement. Officials say the foreign operator remains the priority partner, and no decision has been taken to consider alternative bids at this stage.
“The government is continuing talks with DP World. Other proposals are not under active consideration for now,” a senior official said, adding that a fresh tender could be issued if negotiations fail to reach a conclusion.
The domestic consortium’s proposal differs significantly from the model under discussion with DP World. It suggests that the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) would retain ownership, control and revenue collection, while the consortium would provide operational services for a fixed period of around 15 years. The group has proposed a handling fee of approximately $69 per container.
By contrast, DP World’s model typically involves a public-private partnership structure, where the operator takes on a larger role in investment, management and revenue-sharing over a longer concession period.
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The emergence of the local bid has drawn attention not only for its economic implications but also for its political connections. Two of the companies in the consortium are linked to sitting members of parliament, raising questions about governance and transparency in the selection process, although no formal objections have been raised by authorities.
Meanwhile, policy signals from the government have appeared mixed in recent days, contributing to uncertainty around the future of the NCT. Reports indicate that two separate official communications issued on the same day offered differing directions—one suggesting that the DP World deal should be finalized or cancelled, while another advised continuing negotiations.
Officials later clarified that there has been no shift in policy and that discussions with DP World remain ongoing. “There is no contradiction in the government’s position. The process is still under review,” another official said.
The NCT is the largest terminal at Chattogram Port, handling roughly 44% of the country’s container traffic. As Bangladesh’s main gateway for international trade, any decision regarding its operation carries significant economic and strategic weight.
The port plays a critical role in supporting the country’s export-driven economy, particularly the ready-made garment sector, which depends heavily on efficient logistics and turnaround times. Industry stakeholders have long called for modernization and improved operational efficiency at the port to reduce congestion and costs.
However, past efforts to involve foreign operators have faced resistance from labour groups and political stakeholders concerned about national interest, job security and control over key infrastructure. Similar concerns are likely to resurface as the government weighs its options.
Analysts say the entry of a domestic consortium could appeal to policymakers seeking to balance efficiency improvements with local participation and control. “A service model allows the government to retain revenue while improving operations, but it may not bring the same level of investment and global expertise as an international operator,” said a Dhaka-based logistics expert.
The competition also highlights broader questions about Bangladesh’s approach to managing strategic assets, particularly as it seeks to attract foreign investment while maintaining domestic oversight.
For now, the outcome remains uncertain. If negotiations with DP World succeed, the port could see a major shift toward global-standard terminal management. If not, the government may open the process to competitive bidding, potentially bringing both local and international players into a formal contest.
Until then, the future of the NCT—arguably the most critical node in Bangladesh’s trade infrastructure—hangs in the balance, with economic, political and strategic considerations all at play.
