Shipping Advisor Brigadier General (Retd.) M Sakhawat Hossain has highlighted that the commencement of the Laldia Char Terminal has expanded Chattogram Port’s container storage capacity by 10,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), paving the way for enhanced trade and business prospects. The inauguration of the terminal took place this morning at Patenga, Chattogram.
Port authorities have confirmed that the overall capacity of Chattogram Port has now risen from 56,000 TEUs to 66,000 TEUs. Addressing the media, the advisor underscored the importance of leveraging technological know-how, investments, and operational efficiency to elevate port services.
He emphasized the potential for substantial investment amounting to $4-5 billion in the port vicinity. Drawing comparisons with advanced economies, where private firms manage most ports, he expressed the ambition to progress in a similar direction, ensuring that decisions align with national interests and prioritize proficient port operators.
“Our focus is on facilitating business opportunities while safeguarding our nation’s interests,” he emphasized. The newly opened Laldia Char Terminal, sprawled across 14 acres, boasts a capacity for 10,000 containers and 1,500 trucks. Additionally, the terminal features an 8-acre heavy-lift cargo jetty backup area and a 10-acre APM terminal zone.
The event was attended by senior officials, including Port Chairman Rear Admiral M Moniruzzaman and other key ministry representatives.