Bangladesh has signed a landmark concession agreement with APM Terminals BV— a fully owned subsidiary of global logistics giant Maersk A/S— to develop and operate the Laldia Container Terminal (LCT) at Chittagong Port under a long-term Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The 30-year contract includes provisions for an extension based on performance benchmarks.
The agreement covers the design, financing, construction and operation of the new terminal, marking one of the most significant PPP projects undertaken in the country’s port sector. The signing ceremony in Dhaka was attended by Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) M Sakhawat Hussain along with Danish Ambassador Christian Brix Moller and Danish State Secretary for Trade and Investment Lina Gandlose Hansen.
PPP Authority CEO Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun said the project was expected to generate substantial employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
Ambassador Brix Moller praised Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its economic foundation and position itself as a destination for long-term investment. He reiterated Denmark’s longstanding commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s development, noting the “immense potential” unlocked by the agreement.
According to the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), APM Terminals and its local joint-venture partner will take responsibility for construction, operations and management, while the CPA will retain ownership and regulatory control. This structure is expected to significantly reduce the financial burden on the Bangladeshi government.
The Laldia terminal— positioned as the country’s newest ‘green port’— will enable direct global shipping links, lower freight costs and accommodate container vessels twice the size currently handled. Developed under a revenue-sharing model, the project will minimise public capital expenditure while generating a steady stream of foreign currency income.
For the first time in Bangladesh, the facility will support full 24/7 operations, including night navigation for ships meeting specified length and draught criteria. APM Terminals is expected to invest approximately US $ 550 million in the greenfield development, marking a major boost to foreign direct investment in the country’s maritime infrastructure.
