Saif Powertec CCT Contract Will Not Be Renewed as Chattogram Reviews Operations

Summary

Chittagong Port Authority has decided against renewing Saif Powertec’s contract for Chittagong Container Terminal when it expires on 2 November 2026. The authority has yet to finalise the next operating arrangement, making continuity of cargo handling and an orderly transition the immediate priorities for port users.

Contract expiry approaches

The Saif Powertec CCT contract will not be renewed after 2 November, Chittagong Port Authority Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim has confirmed.

The authority has instructed the company to remove its equipment and other assets following expiry and settle outstanding employee payments.

An interim role for Bangladesh Navy-owned Chittagong Dry Dock has been reported, but no formal arrangement has been announced. Workers briefly stopped handling operations on 29 October over wage demands before returning following assurances from port management.

The decision concerns CCT; the arrangements for other terminals must be considered separately.

Operating continuity becomes the immediate issue

For shipping lines, freight forwarders and cargo owners, the practical question is how services will continue through the transition.

A change of contractor requires coordination over equipment availability, staffing, vessel working plans, yard management and access to operational information. These functions connect closely: a disruption at the quay can affect container movements through the yard and onward delivery.

The departure of an operator therefore involves more than transferring contractual responsibility. An orderly handover must preserve the working arrangements on which customers depend.

Until the authority announces the replacement structure, port users will need clear instructions on bookings, cargo handling and operational contacts.

New Mooring has a separate concession

The CCT development follows a significant operating agreement elsewhere within Chattogram port.

On 8 October 2026, the authority signed a 15-year concession with DP World covering the operation and maintenance of New Mooring Container Terminal and its overflow container yard.

Under that agreement, terminal ownership remains with the port authority. DP World assumes the operating and maintenance responsibilities defined by the concession.

The partnership builds on a 2019 memorandum between Dubai’s government and Bangladesh’s Public-Private Partnership Authority.

Its stated objectives include improving terminal performance, supply-chain efficiency and connections with international markets. Those are intended outcomes of the concession, rather than evidence that specific productivity improvements have already been achieved.

The agreement applies to New Mooring and does not establish DP World as the replacement operator at CCT.

Patenga provides an earlier operating precedent

International terminal participation already has a separate foundation at Patenga.

RSGT Bangladesh signed a 22-year concession with Chittagong Port Authority for the 500,000-TEU-capacity Patenga Container Terminal. Operations under the Saudi operator began in June 2024.

Patenga, New Mooring and CCT represent distinct facilities and contractual arrangements. Developments at one should not be interpreted as automatically determining the management of another.

The Patenga concession nevertheless provides background to Bangladesh’s engagement with specialist terminal operators as it seeks to strengthen container-handling capability.

Longer-term expansion centres on Bay Terminal

Alongside changes at existing terminals, Bangladesh is pursuing additional maritime infrastructure through the Bay Terminal programme.

The World Bank approved US$650 million in June 2024 for marine infrastructure supporting the development. The project includes a six-kilometre breakwater and dredging of the basin, entrance and access channels.

The financing is intended to support private investment in terminal development and improve access for larger vessels.

At approval, the bank projected that Bay Terminal could eventually handle approximately 36% of Bangladesh’s container volumes. That figure describes an expected future role, rather than current throughput.

The programme addresses structural capacity and marine-access requirements. It remains separate from the immediate operating decisions needed at CCT.

For customers, these developments create two time horizons: maintaining dependable service at existing facilities and delivering additional capacity over the longer term.

The immediate test is whether the CCT transition can proceed with clear responsibilities and uninterrupted cargo handling. Future concessions and infrastructure will be judged by their ability to translate investment and operating expertise into reliable services for Bangladesh’s trade.

FAQs

When does the contract expire?

On 2 November 2026.

Has a replacement operator been confirmed?

No final operating arrangement has been announced.

Does DP World’s concession cover CCT?

No. It covers New Mooring Container Terminal and its overflow yard.

Who operates Patenga Container Terminal?

RSGT Bangladesh, under a separate concession.

What is the immediate concern for customers?

Continuity of vessel handling, container movements and cargo delivery during the transition.