Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, April 20, 2026 (BSS)- Bangladesh entered a new era of maritime logistics today with signing of a contract to build first ever private container terminal at Chattogram Port.

Bangladeshi multinational conglomerate MGH Group headquartered in Singapore will build the terminal on seven acres of land with a 250-metre jetty locating approximately 30 minutes from the river mouth.

Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman and CEO of MGH Group Anis Ahmed signed the contract on behalf of their respective sides at CPA Board Room today in presence of key industry stakeholders, said a press release.

With a static capacity of 3,500 TEUs and a monthly handling capability of 40,000 TEUs, the terminal is set to expand CPA’s monthly landing capacity by 102 vessels, the release said.

The MGH Terminal is distinguished as Bangladesh’s first "Green Port," integrating cutting-edge sustainable technologies to minimize its environmental footprint, the release said.

Terming the MGH initiative as historic in the history of country’s maritime industry, the CPA chairman said the terminal by integrating private sector agility with green technology will add a vital strategic value to Chattogram Port.

Moniruzzaman hoped the MGH Terminal will set a new benchmark for vessel turnaround times and environmental responsibility that will make the country’s exports more competitive on the global stage.

Anis Ahmed emphasized the MGH Group's commitment to national development saying the group is investing Taka 550 crore from their own resources to build this state-of-the-art terminal.
 
“Our focus is on absolute efficiency. MGH Terminal is designed to be leaner, faster, and more technologically advanced. We are not just moving containers; we are moving the Bangladesh economy forward," he said.

As one of Bangladesh's largest multinationals with operations in 26 countries, including five European nations, MGH Group is leveraging its global expertise to woo Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from top-tier global companies, the press release said. 

Officials said the MGH terminal will be a zero emission port with fully electric prime movers and container handling equipment (EV machinery).

The terminal will promote renewable energy with solar road panels, solar rooftop power systems, and a specialized solar fence infrastructure, thus reducing 2,700 ton CO2 emissions per year.

The terminal design with wind-free technology and high-efficiency infrastructure will offer a radical improvement in vessel turnaround times. 

Located strategically, vessels can berth at the MGH Terminal in approximately 30 minutes from the river mouth, compared to the standard 2-hour window at the main Chittagong Port, officials said.
 
This efficiency results in significant fuel savings of 0.6 to 1.3 tons per vessel call, drastically reducing costs for international shipping lines.

The terminal is expected to create tens of thousands of new jobs, aligning with the economic vision of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to build a highly efficient, modern economy.

Officials said the MGH Terminal will stand as a testament to Bangladesh's growing stature in international trade, promising a faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective gateway for the nation's burgeoning import-export volumes.