Published: 12:00 AM, 09 October 2026
NCT Operations Handed Over to DP World for 15 Years
Chittagong Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Md. Moniruzzaman and UAE-based company DP World Chairman Essa Kazim signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations which allows DP World to operate and modernize the New Mooring Container Terminal and the Overflow Container Yard for 15 years. - Agency
Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) and global port operator DP World yesterday (8 October 2026) signed a 15-year concession agreement to operate and modernize the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and the Overflow Container Yard (OCY), marking a major step towards improving the efficiency and capacity of Bangladesh's principal maritime gateway.
CPA Chairman Rear Admiral MdMoniruzzaman and DP World Chairman EssaKazim signed the agreement on behalf of the respective sides at a ceremony held at the Invest Bangladesh auditorium in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon.
Shipping Minister Sheikh RabiulAlam, State Minister for Shipping MdRajibAhsan, and UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdulla Ali Al Hamoudi, among others, attended the signing ceremony.
Under the concession, DP World will operate and manage NCT for an initial period of 15 years, while ownership of the terminal's land, core infrastructure, and assets will remain with CPA and, ultimately, the Bangladesh government.
The agreement provides for an upfront payment of around Tk600 crore, with 25% payable upon signing and the remaining 75% before commencement of operations.
DP World will also invest more than Tk1,000crore during the first 10 years to modernize the terminal through new equipment, technology, and operational improvements.
In addition, CPA will receive a share of terminal revenue or royalty, ranging from around 40% to 67% per TEU depending on average terminal revenue, along with a fixed annual fee of approximately Tk10 crore.
The agreement includes a minimum annual volume guarantee of 1.23 million TEUs, with provision for adjustment to 1 million TEUs once a new terminal becomes operational.
Speaking at the ceremony, Shipping Minister Sheikh RabiulAlam said the national interest would remain protected, and businesses would benefit from the initiative.
"Following today's signing of the agreement, they [DP World] will start work within six months and begin full-fledged operations within two years," Sheikh RabiulAlam said.
He said the government's objective was to rapidly increase the capacity and efficiency of existing strategic assets. "Modern equipment, digital systems, international operating standards, and global logistics connections will make NCT more competitive" RabiulAlam further said.
EssaKazim said that the company's approach to Bangladesh would be based on a clear understanding of the country's long-term objectives, continuity, and capability.
"We value the contribution of the people who operate Bangladesh's trade gateways today. Sustainable progress depends on local expertise, skills development, and opportunities for the national workforce," EssaKazim stated.
He said investment for the future, including modern equipment, digital systems, and globally connected operating practices, could complement the improvements already underway and support greater reliability, safety, and capacity as trade grows.
"Fourth, benefits beyond the terminal. A port partnership should serve exporters, importers, manufacturers, small and medium-sized enterprises, shipping lines, and consumers.
"It should help Bangladesh connect more efficiently with regional and international markets while encouraging further investment across the wider logistics ecosystem," EssaKazim told reporters.
He said DP World also sees scope to support digital logistics solutions that complement national initiatives, including the Bangladesh Single Window program.
"Such collaboration could help simplify trade processes, strengthen transparency and make the movement of goods easier and more predictable," he said.
"Rail connectivity can play an equally important role in Bangladesh's logistics future. Stronger links between ports and industrial and commercial centres across the country could improve efficiency and sustainability while helping to reduce road congestion," EssaKazim added.
He said further opportunities could emerge across the wider trade and logistics ecosystem, subject to alignment with the government's priorities and Bangladesh's national development objectives.
"Projects on which we would seek to partner, including the Bay Terminal, rail terminals, logistics parks, and free zone development, could together represent investment of up to $1 billion," he said.
"DP World approaches Bangladesh with optimism and commitment. For DP World, success would be measured not simply by the performance of an individual asset, but by the value created for Bangladesh - more efficient trade flows, stronger supply chain resilience, new opportunities for businesses, deeper international connectivity and enhanced capabilities for the country's people," EssaKazim informed.
"Bangladesh has set its own course of progress. DP World and the UAE would be honoured to partner in this journey, bringing our experience and investment in support of that national journey. We look forward to moving ahead through cooperation and a shared commitment to practical results.
"Together, we can build on what Bangladesh has already accomplished and help create an even more connected, competitive and prosperous future," added the DP World chairman.
On the other hand, a huge demonstration by the leaders and activists of Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) and Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BSD) vehemently denigrated the accord signed between NCT and DP World. Police personnel cracked down on the protesters at that time when several CPB and BSD protesters sustained injuries.
