Maersk-owned port operator APM Terminals is increasing its investment in Bangladesh’s port sector. On August 30, APM Terminals launched construction of the Laldia Container Terminal in Chattogram. The project involves an investment of approximately $550 million and is being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with operations expected to begin in 2030. Once completed, the terminal will add more than 800,000 TEUs of annual container handling capacity and accommodate container ships of up to approximately 6,000 TEUs. It could also reduce the need for some Bangladeshi cargo to be transshipped through regional hubs such as Singapore and Colombo.

Key Highlights 

• Project investment: APM Terminals is investing approximately $550 million in the Laldia Container Terminal. 

• Additional capacity: The new terminal is expected to add more than 800,000 TEUs of annual container handling capacity. 

• Larger vessels: The terminal will be able to accommodate container ships of up to approximately 6,000 TEUs. 

• Operations from 2030: The project could lead to further changes in Bangladesh’s direct-call and transshipment patterns.

Chattogram to Gain More Than 800,000 TEUs of Annual Capacity

The Laldia Container Terminal will be located at Laldia Char in the Patenga area of Chattogram and will cover approximately 49.15 acres. The project is being developed by APM Terminals in cooperation with the Chattogram Port Authority under a PPP model, with APM Terminals responsible for its design, financing, construction, and operation. According to Bangladesh’s PPP authority, the project will involve estimated capital expenditure of approximately $550 million and has now entered the implementation stage.

Once completed, the Laldia terminal is expected to add more than 800,000 TEUs of annual container handling capacity, further expanding capacity within the existing Chattogram port system. Bangladeshi authorities have previously said that the project would help ease congestion at existing terminals while providing additional capacity and operational space for future trade growth.

Direct Calls by Larger Vessels Could Change Transshipment Patterns

A key feature of the new terminal is its ability to accommodate larger vessels and improve Chattogram’s port connectivity.

The size of container ships currently able to call directly at Chattogram is relatively limited, and some of Bangladesh’s import and export cargo must be transshipped through regional hubs such as Colombo and Singapore. Once operational, the Laldia terminal will be able to accommodate vessels of up to approximately 6,000 TEUs. It will have approximately 613 meters of quay, will be designed for vessels with a draft of approximately 10.5 meters, and will be equipped with seven quay cranes, 32 electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes, and 41 electric terminal tractors.

For international logistics operations, this could allow some Bangladeshi cargo to avoid regional transshipment. Once larger vessels can call directly at Chattogram, carriers may also have greater flexibility in service design, vessel deployment, and port rotations.

Operations Expected in 2030 as Competition Among Bangladeshi Ports Enters a New Stage

The Laldia terminal is expected to begin operations in 2030. According to plans disclosed by Bangladesh’s PPP authority, the project will not only expand port capacity but also improve cargo handling efficiency and international connectivity at Chattogram.

For global freight forwarders and logistics companies serving the Bangladeshi market, the main issues to monitor at this stage are construction progress and subsequent carrier service planning. Once the Laldia terminal begins operations, transshipment routes, port selection, and vessel deployment for some of Bangladesh’s import and export cargo could change. Cargo flows among regional hub ports will also remain an important area to monitor.

For APM Terminals, the $550 million investment is also part of its continued expansion of its Asian port network. Once the Laldia terminal becomes operational, Chattogram is expected to increase its capacity to support Bangladesh’s international trade and regional logistics network.

Sources and Disclaimer 

Sources include Bangladesh’s PPP authority, Bangladeshi port authorities, and other publicly available industry information. This article is provided solely for reference by the international logistics and freight forwarding industry. Specific project progress, terminal operations, and service arrangements remain subject to the latest announcements from the relevant authorities and carriers.