The Patenga Container Terminal (PCT) in Chittagong, Bangladesh, is scheduled to commence operations on 10 June, marking the introduction of a new container terminal to Bangladesh's prime seaport Chittagong, 17 years after the inauguration of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT).
The PCT is expected to increase Chittagong port's container handling capacity by 500,000 TEUs, aiming to alleviate congestion. The Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT), a Jeddah-based port operator, has been selected to manage the PCT, marking the first instance of a foreign entity operating a terminal in Bangladesh's port sector. The move comes as Bangladesh seeks foreign investment in the port sector, attracting global operators such as PSA Singapore, AD Ports Group, DP World, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited, and APM Terminals.
The PCT will begin its operations by servicing the Maersk Davao, a container feeder ship, and plans to enhance its capabilities by acquiring gantry cranes by August 2025 for handling gearless vessels. The terminal, situated on 130 square meters along the Karnaphuli River, features three jetties with a combined length of 600 meters, capable of accommodating ships with up to 10.5-meter water draught. The RSGT's 22-year operation tenure of the terminal is part of the Chittagong Port Authority's strategy to adopt a landlord model in port management, gradually transitioning port operations to foreign and local operators.
Source: container-news.com