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Bangladesh Inks Landmark 30-Year Port Deal with Maersk
17 Nov
Summary
- Bangladesh signs 30-year lease with Maersk to run new container terminal
- Chattogram Port is Bangladesh's main trade gateway and vital garment hub
- $550 million investment to boost cargo-handling, safety, and transparency
On November 14, 2025, the Bangladeshi government announced a major deal with global shipping company Maersk to operate a new container terminal at the country's largest port, Chattogram. The 30-year lease agreement will see Maersk's subsidiary, APM Terminals, invest around $550 million over the next three years to develop the Laldia Container Terminal and improve cargo-handling efficiency, safety, and transparency.
Chattogram Port, formerly known as Chittagong, is Bangladesh's main trade gateway and a crucial hub in the global garment supply chain. As the world's second-largest garment exporter, Bangladesh relies heavily on this strategically located port on the Bay of Bengal for the vast majority of its imports and exports.
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus hailed the deal as a "new beginning for the country" that will "open doors to the future" and boost economic growth. However, the involvement of foreign operators has sparked concerns among some dockers, who recently escalated a strike over fears for their jobs. Supporters of the project argue that foreign expertise and investment will modernize the port's operations.
The Bangladeshi government is also in talks with other global players, including UAE-based DP World and Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), for additional port and inland terminal projects, further signaling the country's push to enhance its trade infrastructure.
