Bangladesh is set to receive one of its largest-ever foreign direct investments as APM Terminals BV — a subsidiary of global logistics leader Maersk, prepares to design, finance, build, and operate the Laldia Container Terminal at Chattogram Port under a 30-year public–private partnership.
The final concession agreement is scheduled for signing next week, confirming a $550 million initial investment, equivalent to around Tk6,700 crore. As part of the deal, APM Terminals will pay Tk250 crore in signing money, with construction expected to begin by December and full operations targeted for 2029.
PPP Authority CEO Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun stated that the terminal marks “a future-ready leap” for Bangladesh’s logistics sector — delivering international-grade port operations without increasing government capital expenditure.
Under the concession, ownership of the port remains with the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), while APM Terminals will act solely as the operator. After 30 years, Bangladesh will have the option to extend the agreement or take full ownership of the operational infrastructure.
The Laldia terminal is projected to add 800,000+ TEUs annually, expanding total handling capacity by 44%. Larger vessels — up to twice the size of those currently serviced — will now be able to berth, reducing freight costs and delivering faster global connectivity.
APM Terminals operates over 60 terminals worldwide, including several in the World Bank’s “Top 20 Best Performing” category. Their entry into Bangladesh brings advanced automation, night navigation, and 24/7 operations for the first time.
Bangladesh will earn $21 per TEU, with a tiered structure above 900,000 TEUs. This creates a stable foreign-currency revenue stream while attracting additional global investors to the logistics and manufacturing ecosystem.
The project represents the largest single European equity investment in Bangladesh’s history, sending a strong confidence signal to international financiers.
The development is expected to generate 500–700 direct jobs and thousands of indirect roles across trucking, warehousing, freight forwarding, and inland logistics services.
Additional benefits include:
The Laldia Terminal is also expected to catalyse investment in ICDs, cold chains, and industrial zones along major corridors, positioning Bangladesh as a regional green port hub.
The PPP Authority highlighted the project as a watershed moment for Bangladesh’s ability to structure long-term, globally competitive infrastructure partnerships. Successful execution is expected to strengthen investor trust, reduce perceived risk, and accelerate future PPPs in transport, energy, and logistics.
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