Bay terminal at Ctg port a promising project 

The Bay Terminal, an ambitious mega-project under Bangladesh's Ministry of Shipping, is rapidly advancing with promise to redefine the country's maritime capabilities and bolster its economic future. As the largest port development project in the nation's history, the Bay Terminal is set to significantly expand the capacity of the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA), which handles the bulk of Bangladesh's international trade.

Currently, Chattogram Port is operating at full capacity, though congestion hinders its ability to handle growing cargo volumes. The Bay Terminal, once completed, will alleviate this pressure by adding new, state-of-the-art terminal facilities. These will include a 1,500-meter multipurpose terminal, two container terminals, and an additional 1,225-meter terminal designed specifically for handling gas and oil vessels. This expansion will enable the port to berth multiple vessels simultaneously, boosting efficiency in the handling of containerized and bulk cargo.

A significant challenge in the project's construction is the reclamation of land. Although CPA has secured 567 acres-500 acres of khas land and 67 acres purchased from private owners-it requires a total of 2,500 acres to complete the terminal. While 878 acres are already available, the remaining 1,622 acres will need to be reclaimed from the sea. Breakwater reclamation and the development of a navigational channel are crucial components of this process. The World Bank has shown interest in financing these elements, with an estimated cost of Tk 4,000 crore. The involvement of the World Bank and the German consultancy firm conducting feasibility studies adds both credibility and expertise to the project.
The phased construction of the Bay Terminal is designed to meet growing demand. The first phase, which includes Container Terminal 1 and the multipurpose terminal, will span 2,500 meters of berth space, with an additional 1,000 meters in the second phase for Container Terminal 2. This will bring the total berth length to 3,500 meters, making the Bay Terminal one of the longest and most capable in South Asia.

However, while the project promises significant economic benefits, it must be carried out with careful attention to environmental concerns. Reclamation activities must be managed responsibly to minimize damage to local ecosystems in the Bay of Bengal. Additionally, the terminal's integration with surrounding infrastructure, including road, rail, and inland waterways, will be critical to its long-term success.

The Bay Terminal is not just a vital infrastructure project; it is a cornerstone of Bangladesh's economic future. By enhancing the capacity of the country's ports, the project will unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, and job creation. With strong government commitment and international support, the Bay Terminal has the potential to propel Bangladesh into a new era of economic growth and maritime leadership.