Economy

Chattogram port bay terminal in Bangladesh to start operations by 2030

Published: 12:59, 9 November 2025

Bangladesh’s maritime trade is set for a major boost as the Bay Terminal at Chattogram Port is expected to become operational by 2030, according to Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA).

Officials say the long-awaited project will mark a turning point in the country’s logistics and export infrastructure, enhancing trade efficiency and positioning Bangladesh as a stronger player in South Asian maritime commerce.
Speaking at a recent conference in Chattogram, Moniruzzaman said that design and preparatory work are nearing completion, with both domestic and international construction firms already in discussions with the government and CPA regarding implementation. “Once operational, the Bay Terminal will significantly reduce vessel turnaround times, expand cargo-handling capacity, and bring our port operations closer to global standards,” he said.
The project — first approved by the previous government — covers about 2,500 acres in the Anandabazar area of North Halishahar. It will consist of four terminals, including container and multipurpose facilities, and will feature breakwaters, navigation channels, advanced container yards, and modern road and rail connectivity to ensure seamless cargo movement between the port and the national logistics network.
According to preliminary plans, the Bay Terminal will accommodate vessels up to 280 meters in length and with a draft of up to 12 meters, allowing the handling of larger ships that currently bypass Bangladesh for deeper ports in Colombo, Singapore, or Malaysia.
The Bay Terminal project, once completed, is expected to more than double Chattogram Port’s capacity, reduce congestion at existing terminals, and strengthen Bangladesh’s role as a regional maritime hub linking South Asia with global shipping routes. Economists note that this will not only enhance export competitiveness but also attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in manufacturing and logistics, creating thousands of new jobs.
Officials believe the project’s progress will accelerate further once financing arrangements and final contractor selections are completed in the coming year, ensuring that the 2030 operational target remains on schedule.