Denmark to build modern port in Laldia: Khasru

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said Denmark will construct a modern port at Laldia Char of Patenga, Chattogram.

The government is extending full support to the project and the arrival of global shipping and logistics giant AP Muller in Bangladesh represents a significant milestone, he said while addressing the groundbreaking ceremony for APM Terminals Laldia.

Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Sheikh Rabiul Alam attended the ceremony as special guest.

The Finance Minister expressed his satisfaction that this terminal is being established in his parliamentary constituency.

"We have an elected government with an ambitious economic agenda. Achieving a trillion-dollar economy cannot be accomplished by the government alone; the private sector must also step up," he said.

Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said a new chapter is set to begin today, indicating that our import-export trade will reach international standards.

"APM Terminal Laldia represents a substantial investment through the PPP model. Numerous facilities will be available, which is undoubtedly positive news for the nation. Chattogram Port is essential for our economy," he said.

Sheikh Rabiul Alam said many companies are showing interest in investing in the port. Discussions are going on with them. We are ensuring that opportunities are utilized for the benefit of the country.

The minister assured his support for the implementation of the APM Container Terminal.

Ramesh David, CEO of APM Terminals Laldia, provided the welcome address, stating that advanced technology will be employed at this terminal.

Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman said Chattogram Port serves as the primary gateway of economic activities of the country which deals 92 percent of the country's total imports and exports and over 98 percent of container handling.

Welcoming foreign investment partners to Bangladesh, he said, the country's container handling capacity has doubled over the past decade.

Jake Craig, the Global Head of Business Implementation at APM Terminals BV, Christian Brix Moller, Ambassador of Denmark, and Md. Zakaria, Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping also spoke on the occasion.

Members of Parliament, ambassador of the European Union and leaders of Chattogram Chamber and business organizations were present.

APM container terminal in Laldia will be constructed on 59.15 acres of land along the banks of the Karnaphuli River at a cost of $750 million. Of this area, 32 acres will be designated as the main terminal, 7.15 acres will serve as the container yard, and 10 acres will be allocated for truck parking.

Their local partner is QNS Container Services Limited. The terminal will feature 7 ship-to-shore (STS) gantry cranes, 32 electric rubber-tired gantry cranes (ERTGs), and 41 electric terminal tractors.

The construction is expected to complete in three years, with operations planned to last for 30 years, extendable for an additional 15 years if required.

With an annual handling capacity of 900,000 TEUs, the terminal will be equipped to accommodate large vessels with a draft of 10.5 meters and a capacity of 6,000 TEUs at its 613-meter jetty.

The terminal will facilitate the movement of ships 24 hours a day. The Chattogram Port Authority has received a one-time payment of $25 million from APM Terminals, along with an annual concession fee of $250,000.

Additionally, it will earn $23 per container handled. APM Terminals has committed $15 million for the rehabilitation of displaced individuals from the project area.