The operational control of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port has officially been transferred to the Bangladesh Navy-run Chattogram Dry Dock Limited (CDDL), starting from 12:00 AM on Sunday, July 6.
This marks the end of a 17-year-long involvement by private operator Saif Powertec in managing the terminal.
According to port officials, Saif Powertec’s contract expired at midnight and has not been renewed.
From now on, CDDL will manage the terminal under the supervision of the Bangladesh Navy. The existing workforce at NCT—approximately 3,800 workers appointed under Saif Powertec—will continue their roles under the new administration.
Earlier, on July 2, Shipping, Labour and Employment adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) M Sakhawat Hossain, confirmed that the Navy would take over NCT operations for at least six months, or longer if required.
He also reassured that no jobs would be lost in the transition and that employees would remain in their current positions.
Saif Powertec had partially managed NCT since 2007 and took full operational control in 2015. While their contract for NCT has concluded, the company will continue to operate the Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT) under a separate agreement.
Discussions are ongoing about the long-term operation of NCT by Dubai-based global terminal operator DP World, potentially under a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement. However, no final agreement has been reached yet.
Chattogram Port currently has four container terminals: the Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT), General Cargo Berth (GCB), Patenga Container Terminal (PCT), and New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT).
Among them, NCT is the largest and most modern, featuring 14 gantry cranes and a 950-meter-long berth that can accommodate four large container ships simultaneously.
In 2024, the terminal handled 1.28 million TEUs—exceeding its official annual capacity of 1.1 million TEUs—and contributed approximately BDT 10 billion in annual revenue.
While the port authority directly manages GCB, PCT has been under the operation of Saudi-based Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) since June 2024 under a 22-year contract using their own equipment.
