DP World to take over NCT operation in March

CHATTOGRAM, Nov 04: The operational responsibility for the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) and its Overflow Container Yard at Chattogram Port is likely to be handed over to DP World, one of the world’s largest port operators, by March next year.

“With the target in place, DP World management has been making preparations, including procuring container-handling equipment,” Secretary of Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) Syed Refayet Hamim told The Daily Observer.

He said, “We hope that the operation of the NCT will be handed over to DP World by March next year.”

Protests and agitation by Chattogram Port workers demanding the cancellation of the deal with Dubai-based DP World to operate the NCT have been suspended following a meeting between the protesting leaders and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam.

Leaders of the Port Jatiotabadi Sramik Dal and the Chittagong Port Protection Movement Council, which had called the protest programme, made the announcement following a meeting on October 19. They met Rabiul at the Ministry of Shipping in Dhaka and discussed various issues regarding the agreement. 

The discussions also covered job security for port employees and workers in all areas, including the NCT and Chattogram Container Terminal (CCT), recruitment against vacant posts, and other demands of port workers.

Earlier in October, the CPA and global port operator DP World signed a 15-year concession agreement to operate and modernise the NCT and its Overflow Container Yard, bringing one of the world’s largest port operators to Bangladesh’s principal container terminal. 

The agreement will remain in force for 15 years, with an option to extend it by another 15 years by mutual consent, subject to specific conditions. If the two parties fail to reach an agreement on the extension, the extension will not take effect, and the CPA may discontinue negotiations.