Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Bridges and Railways Sheikh Rabiul Alam today said the foundation stone of the Laldia Container Terminal at Chattogram Port will be laid on 30 August.
The terminal, being developed with the cooperation of Denmark-based APM Terminals, will be built as a modern, environmentally friendly “green terminal” equipped with advanced technology.
The minister made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation of APM Terminals at the Ministry of Shipping on Thursday.
Sheikh Rabiul Alam said the latest technologies would be introduced at the Laldia terminal to enhance operational efficiency and safety. The terminal’s cranes will be operated remotely from an office, while measures will also be taken to ensure greater participation of women in the project.
He said the international-standard terminal would significantly enhance the handling capacity of Chattogram Port. The project would also contribute to employment generation, expansion of trade and commerce and strengthening of the national economy.
Highlighting Denmark’s socio-economic development and technological advancement, the minister sought greater cooperation from the Danish government and investors in modernising Bangladesh’s port infrastructure.
“Bangladesh has a favourable environment for foreign investment,” he said, adding that the country’s port and shipping sectors offer significant investment opportunities and that the government would extend maximum support to foreign investors.
The minister said port infrastructure must be modernised and made more efficient and capable of handling the growing volume of trade in line with the country’s economic expansion. The government, he added, is working to bring international expertise and modern technologies into the sector.
During the meeting, APM Terminals representatives discussed investment and cooperation opportunities in Bangladesh’s port and terminal infrastructure. They also exchanged views on introducing modern technology, management expertise and international experience in the country’s port sector, particularly in the development and operation of the Laldia Container Terminal.
Shipping Ministry Secretary Zakaria, Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, senior ministry officials and the CEO of APM Terminals were present at the meeting.
Danish Maersk Group subsidiary APM Terminals will invest $550 million in the construction of the Laldia Container Terminal. It received the ‘Letter of Award’ on November 17, 2025. The agreement between APM Terminals and the Chattogram Port Authority was signed during the interim government’s tenure.
APM Terminals and its local partner QNS Container Services will implement the 30-year concession. The companies will fully finance, build and operate the greenfield terminal without creating government debt.
According to the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, APM Terminals—wholly owned by AP Møller–Maersk—will design, finance, construct and operate the Laldia terminal under a 30-year concession, while the port will remain under the Chattogram Port Authority.
The terminal will handle vessels twice the size of current capacity, reduce freight costs and allow 24/7 operations including night navigation where permitted.
The facility will add more than 800,000 TEUs of annual capacity, with commissioning expected in 2030.
