The Bangladesh Navy has officially taken over the operation of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chittagong Port, effective July 7. Omar Faruk, Secretary of the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA), stated that the management responsibilities were handed over to Chittagong Dry Dock Limited (CDDL) at midnight on July 6. A formal agreement between the CPA and CDDL will be finalised soon, following the Public Procurement Rules (PPR).

A senior official from Saif Powertech Ltd, the outgoing operator of NCT, shared with the local media that as of 12:01 am on July 6, the management responsibilities have officially been transferred to CDDL. He added that over 3,000 personnel previously managed by Saif Powertech are still involved in terminal operations.

According to the Chattogram Port Authority, CDDL will manage the terminal for the next six months, following guidelines from the Ministry of Shipping. Saif Powertech, a local company, had operated the NCT for 17 years under a contract awarded through the Direct Procurement Method (DPM). While the company was recognised for its efficient terminal operations, its selection process has faced criticism for a lack of transparency. Saif Powertech’s contract with the CPA officially came to a close on July 6.

Discussions are currently underway regarding the potential appointment of DP World, a global port operator based in Dubai, for the long-term management of NCT.

The NCT is one of the most crucial terminals at Chattogram Port, with an annual container handling capacity of 1.1 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). However, it currently handles approximately 1.3 million TEUs annually. This terminal features five jetties that can accommodate four container ships and one inland waterway vessel simultaneously.

Additionally, the terminal generates around Tk 1,000 crore in annual revenue for Chattogram Port.