Saudi-Backed RSGT Opens $170 Million Terminal in Chittagong, Bangladesh’s First International Port Concession

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Gateway Terminal International (RSGT) has inaugurated a $170 million container terminal at Chittagong Port, marking Bangladesh’s first international port concession and extending the operator’s reach from the Red Sea into South Asia’s busiest trade corridor.

The terminal, operated under a 22-year concession secured in 2023, is part of RSGT’s push to grow its footprint in global port infrastructure in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Chittagong handles about 92 percent of Bangladesh’s imports and exports and 98 percent of its containerized cargo. The port recorded 3.4 million TEUs in 2025, up 4 percent year on year, while total cargo volume rose over 11 percent to 137.8 million tonnes.

RSGT holds a 36.36 percent stake in the project through its investment vehicle, Red Sea Port Development Co., under the SISCO portfolio. Since taking over, the company has doubled terminal capacity from 250,000 to 500,000 TEUs by installing four modern ship to shore cranes, delivering what it says is a 30 percent productivity gain over competing regional facilities, making it Bangladesh’s most technologically advanced container terminal.

“RSGT Bangladesh is a proud demonstration of Saudi capability and vision extending far beyond our borders,” said Lars Vang Christensen, Group CEO of RSGT, adding that the project marks the beginning of the company’s journey as a leading emerging markets port operator.

RSGT has signaled potential further investment of up to $1 billion in Bangladesh’s maritime sector. The move follows a broader expansion by RSGT and parent SISCO Holding, including new 20-year concessions across Yanbu, Jazan and Jeddah, and talks with CMA CGM over a Jeddah Islamic Port terminal.