The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) recently signed a concession agreement with APM Terminals, a subsidiary of Maersk Group, and local partner QNS Container Services Ltd. for the development of the Laldia Container Terminal in Chittagong Port. The investment for this project exceeds $550 million, making it one of the largest public-private partnership (PPP) projects in Bangladesh's history.

Under the agreement, APM Terminals will be granted a 30-year terminal operating concession, with the possibility of renewal based on key performance indicators. The design, financing, construction, and operation of the Laldia Container Terminal will be fully managed by the investors, marking the first project in Bangladesh's port infrastructure to adopt this model.

Keith Svendsen, CEO of APM Terminals, stated, "We are honored to sign this agreement with Bangladesh, demonstrating the immense potential of this important market. As a brand new terminal project, it enables us to actively support local manufacturers, exporters, importers, and broader economic growth in Bangladesh. We are further deepening our commitment to the country, aiming to create a safe and efficient terminal that will generate skilled job opportunities for the region's future prosperity."

Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh, expressed, "The Laldia Container Terminal showcases Bangladesh's steadfast commitment to reform, transparency, and investment-friendly growth. Laldia will become the country's first green port and the largest single foreign direct investment from Europe to date. This milestone cooperation will unleash new capacity for Bangladesh's export businesses, alleviate logistics bottlenecks, and enhance competitiveness in global markets."

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen mentioned, "Maersk has long been an important partner for Bangladesh and a significant force driving commercial relations between the two countries. Currently, the company handles nearly 30% of Bangladesh's import-export container volume. APM Terminals' investment in the Laldia project reflects a strong confidence in Bangladesh's future."

Vice Admiral S. M. Moniruzzaman, Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority, stated, "The Laldia Container Terminal will usher in a new era for our port ecosystem. Through this project, the capacity and efficiency of the Chittagong Port will significantly improve, making the country's trade flows more dynamic."

Nurul Qayyum Khan, Chairman of QNS Container Services Ltd., expressed, "We are proud to be involved in this major project that will reshape Bangladesh's port infrastructure, showcasing the strength of local businesses in driving national progress. The project will offer exporters and importers a more resilient and efficient supply chain, reducing overall operational costs. Bangladesh is one of the world's fastest-growing economies, and now is the opportune time to introduce advanced technology and best practices through international standard terminal operators to lower trade costs."

The terminal is expected to commence operations in 2030, increasing Bangladesh's annual port handling capacity by over 800,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), significantly enhancing the country's global trade efficiency and connectivity, facilitating better connections to global markets for key export industries such as textiles, apparel, and manufacturing. The new deep-water terminal will allow the Chittagong Port to accommodate container vessels of up to 6,000 TEU, reducing congestion, lowering logistics costs for supply chain participants, and supporting the continued growth of the export sector.

During the construction phase, it is anticipated that over 1,000 jobs will be created, with over 500 direct positions post-commencement of operations. This project will drive significant indirect employment growth in industries such as logistics, manufacturing, and services, fostering knowledge transfer and overall industry improvement. Following APM Terminals' sustainable labor development strategy, training and apprenticeship programs will be implemented to support local skill and talent development. The terminal aims to become one of South Asia's first energy-efficient, low-emission green ports, aligning with net-zero emission principles and supporting Bangladesh's long-term climate goals. The Laldia Container Terminal will adhere to international safety and environmental standards in design and operation, ensuring a safe, efficient, and reliable operating environment.