CHATTOGRAM, Oct 24: The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) is preparing to launch the ambitious Bay Terminal Marine Infrastructure Development Project (BTMIDP) early next year, a major initiative expected to significantly enhance Bangladesh's maritime trade capacity and operational efficiency.
Combining CPA's own investment, World Bank financing, and private sector participation, the project marks a milestone in modernizing the country's deep-sea port infrastructure.
To engage industry stakeholders, CPA has invited potential contractors for breakwater construction, channel dredging, and suppliers of navigational equipment to a consultation meeting on November 3 at CPA Auditorium.
The consultation aims to share general project information, present procurement components, and gather feedback from private sector representatives on the project's design, feasibility, and sustainability. Such engagement is intended to attract capable contractors and suppliers while shaping the project procurement strategy.
The Bay Terminal project, backed by $650 million from the World Bank, will be implemented under a combination of CPA-financed works and public-private partnerships (PPP). CPA will handle the breakwater and access channel components, financed through the World Bank, while private sector operators will develop and manage the terminal facilities. The initiative is expected to enhance port capacity, reduce vessel turnaround time, and improve Bangladesh's competitiveness in global trade.
The terminal complex will include three state-of-the-art terminals: a 1,500-metre multipurpose terminal, a 1,225-metre container terminal, and an 830-metre container terminal. Container Terminals 1 and 2 will be constructed under PPP agreements with Enterprise of Singapore and DP World of UAE, respectively. Each terminal will have modern cargo-handling equipment, with multipurpose facilities catering to general cargo. The total berth length will be 3,500 metres, allowing simultaneous docking of four to five large vessels.
A 6-km climate-resilient breakwater will protect the harbour from strong waves, currents, and extreme weather. Dredging of the port basin, entrance, and access channels will allow larger vessels, including Panamax ships, to operate efficiently. Officials estimate that faster turnaround times could save the economy around $1 million daily.
The project will also enhance social and economic benefits. Over 1 million people, half of them women, will gain improved access to sustainable transport services, including shipping companies, importers, exporters, and freight forwarders. The project will encourage women-owned enterprises to participate in trade and port-related employment. By streamlining logistics, reducing transportation costs, and improving regional connectivity, the Bay Terminal is set to become a hub for inclusive growth.
In April this year, Bangladesh and the World Bank signed financing agreements totalling $850 million, including $650 million for Bay Terminal and $200 million for modernizing the national social protection system. Out of the total project cost of Tk 13,525.57 crore, the World Bank will provide Tk 9,333 crore to develop infrastructure, attract private investment, and improve operational efficiency.
