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[Saif]

Local management to operate for 6 months before foreign handover

The New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port will remain under local management for 6 months before being handed over to foreign operators. This policy decision was approved at a meeting of the Economic Affairs Advisory Council Committee on Tuesday. Briefing the media after the m

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

NEW MOORING CONTAINER TERMINAL (NCT)
Local management to operate for 6 months before foreign handover
Economic Affairs Committee decides temporary arrangement

FE REPORT
Published :
Jul 02, 2025 00:22
Updated :
Jul 02, 2025 00:22

The New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port will remain under local management for 6 months before being handed over to foreign operators.

This policy decision was approved at a meeting of the Economic Affairs Advisory Council Committee on Tuesday.

Briefing the media after the meeting, Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed confirmed the temporary local management arrangement, which precedes the planned foreign handover.

Retired Brigadier General Sakhawat Hossain, Adviser of the Ministries of Shipping, Labour and Employment, said that the final decision on the entity to be entrusted with managing Chattogram Port will be taken at a meeting of the Ministry of Shipping today.

According to ministry sources, the upcoming operator will be selected through a direct procurement method, bypassing any open tender process. The temporary arrangement will be valid for six months.

For the past 17 years, NCT has been operated by a local private entity, Saif Powertec Limited. The company's contract is set to expire on July 6.

Sources within the Ministry of Shipping indicated that from July 7, the Bangladesh Navy is expected to take over operations of the terminal, with logistical and administrative support from the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA).

NCT is the country's largest container terminal, comprising five jetties capable of accommodating four seagoing vessels and one inland vessel simultaneously. It handles a significant volume of the country's containerised cargo.

Earlier at a meeting on June 18, the Ministry of Shipping had decided that the CPA would operate the terminal directly and submitted a proposal seeking government approval for Tk 420 million. However, the port authorities later reversed this decision.

A follow-up meeting on Saturday between the Shipping Adviser and CPA officials, held at the port building's conference room, resulted in a revised policy decision to assign operational responsibility to the Navy, supported by the CPA.

The process of handing over NCT to foreign operators began under the previous Awami League-led government, with Dubai-based DP World identified as the intended operator. The current interim government is continuing with that process.

A formal agreement with DP World is expected to be signed by November. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is acting as the transaction adviser and intermediary on behalf of the Bangladesh government. Until the agreement is finalised, the Bangladesh Navy is likely to continue operating the terminal under the interim arrangement.​

 

[Saif]

undefined | The Financial Express

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Navy Chief visits New Mooring Container Terminal at Ctg port

BSS
Published :
Jul 09, 2025 20:42
Updated :
Jul 09, 2025 20:42

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan on Wednesday inspected the activities of the New Mooring Container Terminal at Chattogram Port.

With the active participation of naval personnel, country’s development activities continue in addition to ensuring national security. In continuation of this, the Chief of the Bangladesh Navy inspected the activities of the New Mooring Container Terminal at Chattogram Port, said an ISPR press release.

During the visit, he inspected the container handling activities at NCT-2 JT area, container handling activities at the appraise point and terminal operation system activities at CTMS building.

He also provided necessary directives to the officers and members of Chattogram Dry Dock Limited working at NCT and all those related to the port activities for the management of the port activities.

The commander of Chattogram naval region, chairman of Chattogram Port Authority and MD of Chittagong Dry Dock Limited and other senior military and civilian officials were present, it said.

It is mentionable that the Chattogram Port Authority handed over the responsibility of operating the NCT of the Chattogram Port to Chattogram Dry Dock Limited on Monday.

The Navy Chief hoped that the Chattogram Dry Dock Limited taking take over the responsibility of the NCT will further accelerate the activities of the port by increasing discipline, punctuality and efficiency in the port’s activities.

If the rapid movement and transportation of goods is ensured through proper port management, the country’s import-export process will be dynamic, which will play a direct role in the country’s economy, he said.

He also hoped that if the overall performance of the port increases through efficient management, it will increase the confidence of foreign investors and play an important role in the progress of the national economy.​

 

[Saif]

Container handling rises at New Mooring terminal after Navy takeover

Container handling at the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port increased in the first week of operational management by Chittagong Dry Dock Limited (CDDL), Bangladesh's sole dry dock currently operating under the Bangladesh Navy..The CDDL started running the NCT at the c

www.thedailystar.net

Container handling rises at New Mooring terminal after Navy takeover

Star file photo

Container handling at the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port increased in the first week of operational management by Chittagong Dry Dock Limited (CDDL), Bangladesh's sole dry dock currently operating under the Bangladesh Navy.

The CDDL started running the NCT at the country's largest port from July 7.

Until yesterday, the terminal recorded an average of 3,181 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled per day, compared to 2,956 TEUs daily during the previous seven days when the terminal was managed by Saif Powertec Ltd, according to a statement issued by the Chief Adviser's office.

This marks an increase of 8 percent, or 225 TEUs per day, reflecting a positive improvement in efficiency and performance, it states..

The NCT terminal had long been operated by Saif Powertec. Upon the expiration of its contract with Chittagong Port on July 6 this year, the shipping ministry approved the handover of operational responsibility to CDDL, effective from July 7.

"Since the transition, the terminal has shown improved coordination and operational discipline."

Between July 7 and July 13, container loading and unloading of 10 vessels was successfully completed, and currently, four vessels are being handled simultaneously at the four berths of the NCT.

Saif Powertec had been running Chattogram Port's two terminals – Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT) and NCT – since their inception.

The NCT opened for operations in 2007. Saif Powertec initially operated two of the NCT's jetties on an ad hoc basis. In 2015, it was directly appointed by the CPA to operate four jetties.

The terminal remained underutilised for eight years following its construction due to a lack of necessary equipment. By 2022, the CPA had completed purchasing and installing the key equipment — quayside gantry cranes.

The NCT handled 38.5 percent of a total of 32.75 lakh TEUs of containers that passed through Chattogram Port in 2024, according to official data.​

 

[Saif]

Outbound container-handling charges set to surge 81pc

Container-depot owners have announced a steep hike in charges of outbound goods-laden box handling up to 81 per cent which exporters term a fresh blow amid troubling reciprocal- tariff tussle with the United States. Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) has also declared the cha

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

EXPORTERS FEAR FRESH BLOW TO INDUSTRY, TRADE
Outbound container-handling charges set to surge 81pc

Syful Islam
Published :
Jul 21, 2025 00:24
Updated :
Jul 21, 2025 00:24

Container-depot owners have announced a steep hike in charges of outbound goods-laden box handling up to 81 per cent which exporters term a fresh blow amid troubling reciprocal- tariff tussle with the United States.

Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) has also declared the charge hike in case of handling empty cargo boxes and some other services they provide.

A circular issued by the BICDA says the hiked charges will be effective from September-in what comes as a double bind with a 35-percent additional US tariff on Bangladeshi exports possibly taking effect on August 01.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the top user of the off-docks, says the move to raise charges will create a big pressure on the export-oriented industry.

The BICDA in its circular has said the investment cost of the Inland Container Depots (ICDs) has increased "so significantly" that capacity expansion of depots "has become very difficult".

"Similarly, the new ICDs are also struggling to attain financial viability and achieve full operational capability," says BICDA Secretary-General Ruhul Amin Sikder.

He says against the backdrop of significant operational and investment cost escalations, considerable increase in labour costs, increase in equipment import/purchase and maintenance costs, devaluation of the taka against the US dollar, sharp increase in overhead costs due to massive inflationary pressures, and increasing bank interest rates, BICDA has reviewed upward the empty-container-handling charges and export-cargo-handling charges.

According to the circular, from September 01, the ICDs will realise Tk 9,900 as handling charge for a 20-foot goods-laden export container, accounting for a 60-percent rise from the existing rate of Tk 6,187.

For a 40-foot container, the revised charge will be Tk 13,200 in a rise from the existing charge of Tk 8,250. The revised charge will go up by 81 per cent to Tk 14,900 from the present cost of Tk 8,250 in case of a 40-foot-high cube container and 45-foot container.

In case of empty boxes, the BICDA says, ground rate for a 20-foot container will increase from Tk 115 to Tk 150 while for 40-foot container it will go up from Tk 230 to Tk 300. Their lift-on/lift-off charges will be Tk 750 and Tk 700 respectively from the existing Tk 512.

The documentation charge will be increased to Tk 450 from existing Tk 276 for both 20-foot and 40-foot boxes.

The haulage charge will increase to Tk 2,500 from Tk 1,705 in case of 20-foot boxes while for 40-foot boxes the charge will rise to Tk 5,000 from existing Tk 3,410.

Also, BICDA is bent on raising CFS storage charges, labour charge, sorting charge, and reefer plug-in charge, among others.

Inamul Haq Khan, senior vice president, BGMEA, told the FE that depot owners were unexpectedly raising charges without discussing that with the main users of their facilities.

"They should have discussed with us whether we can absorb the higher charges or not."

Because, he says, if charges go up all of a sudden, it will create a big pressure on the export- oriented sector that is poised to face a tariff wall on the single-largest export market-the United States.

Mr Khan mentions that already there is another move to raise charges by the port authority.

"Our capability is getting reduced gradually," he says, adding that exporters are already under pressure over the proposed reciprocal tariff by the United States. "That is a matter of survival for us."

He laments it will be a "bad timing" for the industry as the depot association is raising charge when all are engaged with the United States in tariff negotiation.

Syed Mohammad Arif, Chairman, Bangladesh Shipping Agents' Association (BSAA), echoes the industry concern.

He says in the past, the depots had handled containers carrying only 38 items which now increased to 65 items, nearly doubled, which means they will make good business.

"This is not an appropriate time for them to increase charges when their business is growing. They should reconsider it now," he opines.

Mr Arif explains that ultimately, the charge will fall on export-import business of the country. "When tariff goes up, the principal would not bear it, rather they will realise it from exporters and importers that means from product prices."

On a greater note of concern, he says, "If the different authorities raise charges at once, none will be able to do business in Bangladesh."

And goods prices will go beyond the reach of all.​

 

[Saif]

ICDs' handling charge hike to affect export trade

Bangladesh's external trade, especially export, is now up against the wall and the factors behind this are of both domestic and international origin. At a time, when the government's ongoing talks with the current Trump administration of the US, which has imposed a 35 per cent reciprocal tariff on

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

ICDs' handling charge hike to affect export trade

SYED FATAHUL ALIM
Published :
Jul 24, 2025 23:48
Updated :
Jul 24, 2025 23:48

A view of inland container depot at Kamalapur Railway station —FE File Photo

Bangladesh's external trade, especially export, is now up against the wall and the factors behind this are of both domestic and international origin. At a time, when the government's ongoing talks with the current Trump administration of the US, which has imposed a 35 per cent reciprocal tariff on its import of Bangladesh-origin products are in an uncertain territory, the Internal Container Depot (ICD) owners have unilaterally decided to hike up export cargo handling charges to be effective, according to reports, from September 1.

This development adds a new layer of complication to an already fragile trade environment, where exporters are reeling under the pressure of increasing global competition, trade policy uncertainties and sluggish post-pandemic recovery in demand.

The timing of this enhanced export container handling fees does not seem to be sensitive to the difficulties the country's export trade is at the moment faced with. For, the Bangladesh Inland Container Depot Association (BICDA)'s announcement of enhanced handling fees might further contribute to compromising the competitive edge of the Readymade Garment (RMG), the largest export industry of Bangladesh, in the global market. Given the RMG sector's high sensitivity to cost fluctuations, any increase in logistics-related expenses could erode already thin profit margins and weaken Bangladesh's position against rival exporting countries such as Vietnam, India and Cambodia.

In fact, the ICDs, also known as off-docks, which are located in and around the port city, handle 90 per cent of the total export goods by stuffing those into containers before their shipment through the Chattogram port. Also, close to a quarter of the import containers are sent from the port to these ICDs wherefrom the import goods are delivered.

So, the positive role played by the ICDs in the country's external trade cannot be overstated. Even so, its decisions to raise container handling charges, often, like this time, made without holding prior consultations with the stakeholders including the ministry of shipping, on various pretexts including fuel prices, labour costs, equipment maintenance, devaluation of the Bangladesh Taka (BDT) against the US dollar (USD), rising bank interest rates, overall inflationary pressure and so on, have led to heightened concerns among the exporters particularly those in the RMG sector. Such unilateral pricing strategies not only disrupt budgeting and planning for exporters but also risk triggering a domino effect throughout the export supply chain - from subcontractors and freight forwarders to international buyers already wary of price hikes.

This time, too, the BICDA's tariff hike on export cargo handling will see a 36 per cent to 44 per cent increase in handing fees compared to the existing rates. Also, the handling charges for the empty containers are going to be enhanced by 31.8 per cent. However, the import cargo containers have been spared any handling tariff hike this time around. The apex body of the Bangladesh's readymade garment manufacturers and exporters, the BGMEA, says, BICDA's decision will create a big pressure on the export-oriented industry. The BGMEA has further urged the authorities to consider temporary relief or subsidies to offset the burden on exporters, especially small and medium enterprises that lack the resilience to absorb cost shocks.

Notably, some days back, the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) itself proposed a raise in its tariffs by 70 per cent to 100 per cent across 50 service categories. But the CPA's proposal, too, could not come at a worse time, when the export sector, particularly the apparel industry was struggling against rising global headwinds that include soaring energy costs, supply chain disruptions, harsher compliance conditions and falling demands in the overseas markets, mainly in Europe and North America. The convergence of domestic cost escalations and global market contractions is squeezing exporters from both ends, raising serious concerns about long-term sustainability.

Now, as if to rub salt to the wound, the BICDA has now come up with a declaration of raised cargo handling fees on the grounds that the investment costs of their depots have risen so significantly that their capacity for expansion has become difficult. They also complained that their new ICDs are in financial straits affecting their operational viability. So, to keep those ICDs viable, exporters will have to pay, for instance, at a 60 per cent higher rate for handling a 20-foot goods-laden container and at a 81 per cent higher rate for the 40-foot-high cube containers and 45-foot containers. Other types of cargo handling fees are also going to experience similar raises. Such a unilateral decision to burden exporters with additional costs risks undermining the entire trade ecosystem. The BICDA should have taken a collaborative approach before announcing the hike.

In these circumstances, the government needs to intervene so that any decision on container handling charge hike is made through concurrence of all the stakeholders involved. Last but not least, before going for any fresh service charge hike, ICD operators should consider the overall state of the export trade, which is now in a struggle for survival.​

 

[Saif]

Ctg port tariffs poised for steep rise

Bangladesh's external trade is set to get costlier as the government Thursday approved a proposal for increasing tariffs on both goods and vessels at Chittagong seaport, in some cases up to 10 times or above, officials said. The ministry of finance gave the all-clear to the proposal submitted by t

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Export-import goods, shipping vessels to count higher charges
Ctg port tariffs poised for steep rise
Govt okays jacked-up rates, some up to 10 times higher

Syful Islam
Published :
Jul 24, 2025 23:45
Updated :
Jul 24, 2025 23:45

Bangladesh's external trade is set to get costlier as the government Thursday approved a proposal for increasing tariffs on both goods and vessels at Chittagong seaport, in some cases up to 10 times or above, officials said.

The ministry of finance gave the all-clear to the proposal submitted by the ministry of shipping for taking measures for "improving the quality of services and efficiency" at the country's prime seaport.

Chittagong Port Authority officials say the port-use tariffs have not been increased since 1986. However, it was found that tariffs for five services saw upward revision last time in May 2008.

The port users sharply reacted to the charge hike at a time when export to the United States is "under threat" from a steep 35-percent reciprocal tariff imposed by the Trump administration in addition to the existing 15 per cent.

Under the revised charges, as just approved, port dues per gross register tonnage (GRT) have been increased from $0.241 to $0.306 while pilotage charge (for 10,000 GRT vessel) incised from $357.75 to $800. The shifting charge for night has been raised from $59.60 to $80.

The tugboat charge for 200 GRT to 1000 GRT has been ramped up from $158 to $615, for 1000 GRT to 5000 GRT from $316 to $615, for 5000 GRT to 10000 GRT from $632 to $1230.

For the vessels over 10000 GRT to 20,000 GRT tug charge is re-fixed $2050 and over 20,000 GRT the charge will be $3415.

The rate for the hire of tugboat for any other purpose is increased from $158 to $512.50, ship berthing or un-berthing charge increases from $88.50 to $94.32 and mooring- occupancy charge raised from $167 to $224.85.

Also, the jetty crane charges for below-10-tonne capacity has been increased from $42 to $58.24, quay gantry-crane charge (loaded), not exceeding 21-foot, increased from $15 to $20.80, and over-21-foot-crane charge increased from $22.50 to $31.20.

The tugboat cost for fire fighting is to see over tenfold increase in the latest revision-from $30 to $325.89.

Diving-board charge increases from $178.60 to $286.21, hire for salvage-diving unit shoots up from $71.50 to $344.59, dredger rentals increase from between $2235 and $4470 to $10,281.

Entry fees for people and vehicles are also to see a significant rise. A gate pass (temporary) for one user will now cost Tk 100 in a rise from previous Tk 25 while covered van, truck, and trailer-entry charge will go up to Tk 200 from Tk 12.5.

In the multipronged rate-rise package, the port authority is raising charge for hiring dump barges from $41.70 to $68.37 while the same for explosives barges will be from $59 in the past to $98 now.

The charges for loading or discharging containers are also seeing a good rise. Boxes not over 21 feet will be charged $68 from previous $43, while boxes over 21-foot size will be charged $102 from previous $65, and over 40-foot containers will be charged $115.

The Less-than-Container Load (LCL) containers loading or discharging charge-for not over 21-foot size-will be $204 from $130, for over 21 feet will be $306 from $195, while over 40-foot containers will be charged $344.

Empty containers-not over 21-foot size-will be charged $34 in a hike from the present $22.10, over 21-foot boxes will be charged $51 from current $33.20, and the over 40-foot containers will be charged $57 for loading or discharging.

Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, a former vice president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), sees the government move to increase port charges as "illogical" as no exporter would be able to absorb this additional cost.

"Without any consultation with port users and without any improvement in service quality, the hike in service charges cannot be considered business-friendly," he told the FE, in an instant reaction.

Mr Chowdhury questions how the entrepreneurs would be able to run their businesses or make new investments amid such "policy and infrastructure uncertainty".​

 

[Saif]

Port needs global operator for efficiency boost: Sakhawat

Shipping Advisor M Sakhawat Hussain has said Bangladesh is “lagging behind” in global port operations and must bring in international operators to raise efficiency. On Friday, he visited the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) in Chattogram, where he assessed its operations and highli

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Port needs global operator for efficiency boost: Sakhawat

bdnews24.com
Published :
Jul 25, 2025 20:05
Updated :
Jul 25, 2025 20:05

Shipping Advisor M Sakhawat Hussain has said Bangladesh is “lagging behind” in global port operations and must bring in international operators to raise efficiency.

On Friday, he visited the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) in Chattogram, where he assessed its operations and highlighted the need for international involvement to “improve” performance.

He said that while current efforts have yielded some results, they are not enough to match the standards set by ports in countries such as Singapore and the United Kingdom.

According to Sakhawat, foreign operators can bring in the advanced technology and management systems that Bangladesh lacks, and without them, port performance will remain “limited”.

“A port only enters the international arena when a foreign operator is appointed,” he said.

He noted that the NCT had been operated by Saif Powertec Limited for nearly 18 years, and acknowledged their contribution.

The advisor, however, said the interim government is now aiming for higher efficiency through changes in management.

“No one stays in place permanently. Everyone is eventually replaced, so they too deserve appreciation,” he said.

On Jul 7, Chattogram Dry Dock Ltd, a state-owned enterprise under the Bangladesh Navy, took over the NCT operations on an interim basis for six months.

Plans are under discussion to hand over the terminal to Dubai-based DP World through international bidding.

Since the takeover, container handling at the NCT has increased by 30 percent, said Sakhawat.

He expressed confidence that the trend would continue under the next operator.

On the issue of port tariffs, he said: “The ministry has not raised the tariffs unilaterally. Inter-ministerial discussions have taken place, and talks have been held with port users.

“The hike has been made after consultations with all sides. Even now, compared with many of the world’s major ports, Chattogram’s tariffs remain significantly lower.”

Rear Admiral Mir Ershad Ali, commander of the Chattogram Naval Area, said: “In the 17 days since Dry Dock took over the NCT, the average turnaround time for ships has dropped by 10 hours, and container handling has increased by 30 percent.”​

 

[Saif]

Teesta Bridge to cut Gaibandha-Dhaka distance by 135kms

Construction work of the Teesta Bridge, much-awaited by the residents of Gaibandha and Kurigram district, has already been completed with the installation of 32 spans. The infrastructure of the bridge is now visible, and this is the biggest bridge constructed by the Local Government Engineering De

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Teesta Bridge to cut Gaibandha-Dhaka distance by 135kms
The bridge will be opened for use on Aug 2

OUR CORRESPONDENT
Published :
Jul 25, 2025 10:20
Updated :
Jul 25, 2025 10:20

Construction work of the Teesta Bridge, much-awaited by the residents of Gaibandha and Kurigram district, has already been completed with the installation of 32 spans.

The infrastructure of the bridge is now visible, and this is the biggest bridge constructed by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in the country.

It will be opened for the use of people of the two districts on August 2.

The much-hyped Teesta Bridge covers the Haripur side in Sundarganj upazila of Gaibandha district and Chilmari upazila of Kurigram district.

The total length of the bridge is 1,490 metres, and all its

32 spans have been installed.

With the completion of the Teesta Bridge, millions of people of the region are beaming with new hopes and aspirations.

After the bridge is opened, especially from Kurigram, Chilmari, Bhurungamari, Nageshwari and Ulipur, the distance with Dhaka by road will reduce by about 135 kilometres.

Along with the bridge construction, river management over an area of about 3.5 kilometres is being done on both sides.

A total of 86 kilometres of connecting roads have been built on both sides of the bridge. This will prevent river erosion on one side and, at the same time, will create new employment opportunities for people on both sides.

According to the Gaibandha LGED office, the foundation stone of the bridge was laid on January 26, 2014.

But due to some complications, the construction work was started later in 2021.

The construction cost of the bridge was estimated at Tk7.3085 billion (Tk730.85 crore).

Gaibandha LGED Executive Engineer Ujjal Chowdhury told the Financial Express that the Haripur-Kurigram Chilmari bridge in Gaibandha's Sundarganj has been built by the LGED.

The bridge will simplify communication for businesses in the region.​