Despite over a decade of discussions, Chattogram Port’s largest project, the Bay Terminal, has yet to materialise beyond paperwork. Apart from partial land acquisition, progress has remained stagnant. This has left port users in dismay.
Uncertainty loomed over whether the interim government would push the project forward after the fall of the Awami League government. However, the current administration has now taken steps to develop the Bay Terminal. The Ministry of Shipping and the Chattogram Port Authority are awaiting World Bank (WB) funding to begin its physical infrastructure work.
In June 2024, the World Bank approved a $650 million loan for the project to dredge the channel and construct a six-kilometre breakwater. These key developments will commence once the promised funds are received.
In this regard, Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Shipping, stated that good news regarding the project might be unveiled by August. During a recent visit to Chattogram Port, he told reporters that the World Bank’s $650 million investment would finance the access channel dredging and current-resistant structures.
He expressed optimism about signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Bank within the next three to five months, calling it one of Bangladesh’s largest investments. Meetings have been held with the World Bank, and the Detailed Project Plan (DPP) has been prepared.
The terminal will be mostly funded by foreign investment, according to multiple port sources. One terminal will be developed by Dubai-based DP World, another by PSA Singapore, while the third will be a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Ports and Chattogram Port.
According to sources, the Bay Terminal, located along the Patenga and Halishahar coastline, is greater than the current Chattogram Port infrastructure in scale. In 2019, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the project under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Out of the proposed 900 acres, 68 acres of privately owned land have already been acquired. Additionally, 500 acres of government land have been allocated. Further acquisitions are underway.
Currently, Chattogram Port can accommodate vessels with a 9.5-metre draft and a maximum length of 190 metres. The Bay Terminal, with its deeper channel, will allow ships with a 12-metre draft and a length of 300 metres to dock. Unlike the existing port, which depends on tidal conditions for docking, the Bay Terminal will enable vessels to berth at any time.
Former Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry director Mahfuzul Haque Shah stressed the necessity of the Bay Terminal, stating that once production begins in economic zones like Mirsharai, Bangladesh’s import-export volume will surge. Therefore, effective steps must be taken to accelerate the terminal’s construction, he noted.
Translated & edited by Fariha Nowshin Chinika
