Bangladesh Navy Takes Over Chittagong Port's NCT as Saif Powertec Departs After 17 Years

After 17 years, Saif Powertec is handing over the operational charge of the Chittagong Port's New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT). Starting today, Monday, July 7, the Bangladesh Navy will take over the management of this crucial terminal. Due to legal requirements, the Port Authority decided to contract with Chittagong Drydock Limited, an entity under Navy control, rather than directly with the Navy.

The agreement was scheduled to be finalized today.

Chittagong Drydock Limited is a state-owned and Bangladesh Navy-operated military ship repair facility, located within the boundaries of Chittagong Port.

Md. Omar Faruk, Secretary of Chittagong Port, confirmed that the Port Authority's board approved the agreement with Drydock for NCT's operation after receiving government approval. He stated that today, the Port Authority will sign a six-month agreement with Drydock, and simultaneously, Saif Powertec will officially hand over responsibilities. Thus, Chittagong Drydock, through the Navy, will begin operating NCT from today.

In response to a query, Md. Omar Faruk explained that due to certain technical reasons, the Navy could not directly assume responsibility for terminal operations, but they will manage it through Drydock.

Tarfadar Ruhul Amin, Managing Director of Saif Powertec, informed the media that they have completed all preparations for the handover to the Navy. He added that while they are leaving NCT, their operations at Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT) will continue as per their existing agreement.

It's worth noting that Chittagong Port has four container terminals: Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT), New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), General Cargo Berth (Container & Bulk - GCB), and Patenga Container Terminal (PCT). In the 2024-25 fiscal year, NCT alone handled 44% of the 3.2 million TEUs of containers processed by Chittagong Port. Saif Powertec had been operating NCT since 2007.