BusinessToday24 Correspondent, Chattogram: The Chattogram Dry Dock Limited (CDDL), a state-owned enterprise under the Bangladesh Navy, has been entrusted with the operation of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at the Chattogram Port. The decision comes as the 17-year contract with private operator Saif Powertec Ltd expires on July 6, 2025.
According to officials from the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA), the new arrangement has been finalized under the Direct Procurement Method (DPM), allowing the government to award the contract without a competitive bidding process.
CPA Secretary Md Omar Faruk confirmed the development and said, “CDDL will formally begin operations at NCT from the morning of July 7. All necessary preparations are in place.”
He added that CDDL will recruit its own manpower for the operation. However, it has the option to retain some experienced staff members from Saif Powertec, should it deem fit. The recruitment process and staffing decisions will rest entirely with CDDL.
NCT is the busiest container terminal in Bangladesh and plays a critical role in the country’s maritime trade. The terminal has the capacity to berth four large vessels simultaneously and handles an average of over 10,000 containers per day.
Saif Powertec Ltd had been operating the NCT since 2007, managing crane operations, cargo handling, and container movement under an agreement with the CPA. With the expiration of that contract, the CPA has opted for a shift in management policy, placing trust in a state-run enterprise for improved transparency and accountability.
Chattogram Dry Dock Limited, primarily known for shipbuilding, vessel maintenance, and maritime engineering, is now venturing into the domain of container terminal operations. The move is being viewed as a major test of the company’s operational efficiency and managerial capability.
Port stakeholders expressed mixed reactions. While many welcome the shift as a step towards greater public control and transparency, others emphasize the importance of operational readiness and experienced manpower to avoid disruption in port activities.
However, the private operator Saif Powertec Ltd has assured full cooperation to ensure there will be no disruption in operational activities during the transition period.
On Tuesday, Saif Powertec’s Managing Director Tarfadar Ruhul Amin clarified the matter to the media, stating, “Under no circumstances will the NCT’s operations be hindered even for a minute. We have given this assurance to the port authority.” He further mentioned that the company has made substantial financial and technological investments in the terminal, much of which is still functional. Discussions are ongoing with the port authority regarding the use and handover of their owned equipment, vehicles, and software infrastructure.
According to sources at the Chattogram Port Authority, since some critical machinery and equipment remain under Saif Powertec’s management, the process of taking inventory and handing over these assets has already begun. A formal letter has been sent to the company to expedite the smooth completion of this handover.
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