Bangladesh’s largest port infrastructure expansion project, the Bay Terminal at Chittagong Port, is slated to start operations by 2030. According to Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), this represents a new stage in the country’s expansion of trade and logistics.
Rear Admiral Moniruzzaman stressed that the terminal will change Bangladesh’s trading environment. Remarking at the General Market Engagement Conference for the Bay Terminal Marine Infrastructure Development Project, he declared, “Bangladesh’s economy, trade and export-import activities will enter a new era with the terminal.”
As per Moniruzzaman, the Bay Terminal, once operational, will significantly reduce vessel waiting times, improve export efficiency and reinforce Chattogram’s status as the maritime gateway of South Asia. “This will not only strengthen Chattogram’s role but also elevate Bangladesh’s visibility on the regional trade map,” he said.
The terminal’s design and preparatory works are going to be completed soon and discussions are ongoing with local and foreign contractors for implementation, the CPA Chairman stated.
The Bay Terminal Marine Infrastructure Development Project (BTMIDP) is a timely initiative to solve the increasing congestion at Chittagong Port, according to Commodore Kaosar Rashid, Member (Engineering), CPA. He stated that “All stakeholders are eager to see its quick implementation.”
The project will include a breakwater, navigation channel, container yards, jetties, rail and road connections and modern service infrastructure. It is scheduled to be completed in the Anandabazar district of North Halishahar between April 2025 and June 2031.
Bangladesh’s export competitiveness will be greatly enhanced once the terminal is completed, since it is anticipated to accommodate at least 6 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) yearly, nearly doubling the port’s current capacity.
In addition to developing vital port infrastructure like rail and road links, container yards and jetties, the project includes building navigation channels and breakwaters.
When finished, the terminal will be able to handle ships up to 280 metres long and up to 12 metres in draft.
Currently, 98% of Bangladesh’s container traffic and more than 90% of its international trade are handled by Chittagong Port. Only small feeder ships are permitted to berth at the port and even those are only permitted to do so during certain times of the day.
