MSC expands Bangladesh footprint with major inland terminal concession

MSC has deepened its presence in Bangladesh’s logistics ecosystem by securing the concession to run the Pangaon Inland Container Terminal (PICT)—a move that marks one of the most significant inland infrastructure commitments by a global carrier in the country to date.

The agreement places Medlog, MSC’s rapidly expanding inland transport and logistics subsidiary, in charge of operating, modernising and automating PICT. Situated on the Buriganga River near Dhaka and connected to the Dhaka–Mawa–Bhanga Expressway, the terminal is strategically located to support smoother cargo flows between the capital and key maritime gateways. The shift is expected to ease pressure on road corridors by channeling more container traffic through Bangladesh’s inland waterways.

As part of the concession, Medlog plans to enhance terminal infrastructure, deploy new digital and handling technologies, and raise operational efficiency. Once upgraded, PICT is projected to process roughly 160,000 teu per year. Medlog will also lease barges from PICT to boost waterborne connectivity between Pangaon, other inland depots and coastal ports.

MSC’s move comes amid a surge of international interest in Bangladesh’s port and logistics sector. Earlier in the year, APM Terminals, the port operations arm of Maersk, committed $550 million to develop and run the Laldia Container Terminal in Chattogram under a 30-year concession. Expected to open in 2030, the terminal will add over 800,000 teu of annual capacity and eventually allow the port to handle vessels up to 6,000 teu, significantly larger than those currently calling.