Bangladesh adopts landlord-port model with DP World concession

Bangladesh is transitioning from a tool-port model toward a landlord-port model, where the state retains ownership of land and infrastructure while specialized private operators manage terminal activities. This shift is evidenced by several major projects, including the Patenga Container Terminal, the Laldia Container Terminal construction, and the Matarbari Deep Sea Port.

As part of this evolution, a 15-year concession has been awarded to DP World for the operation and maintenance of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port. Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam stated that the agreement preserves public ownership under a public-private partnership framework. The Chittagong Port Authority will retain terminal ownership while DP World manages operations.

The agreement includes a US$50 million upfront payment for existing equipment and a US$150 million investment commitment for modernization, automation, and digital integration. Financial terms also include a guaranteed minimum annual payment of Tk10 crore to the Chittagong Port Authority and a continuing share of container-handling revenue.