CHATTOGRAM, Dec 09: A World Bank (WB) delegation on Tuesday wrapped up a three-day visit to Chittagong port, where they reviewed the Bay Terminal mega project, which is set to significantly enhance the port's capacity and operational efficiency.
The visit focused on discussions with Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) officials and project consultants from Hamburg Port Consultant (HPC) and KS Bangladesh.
According to CPA sources, the delegation's main purpose was to assess the details of the Bay Terminal project ahead of the WB's planned financing of USD 650 million for its development.
The delegation held meetings with experts from the consulting firms over the past two days, focusing on various technical aspects, including the design of the terminal. The team visited the Bay Terminal site on Tuesday.
This careful review is part of the WB's efforts to ensure the security and viability of its substantial investment.
CPA Secretary Omar Faruk said, "The meetings between the World Bank (WB) and the consulting firm took place during the delegation's visit. The delegation discussed various aspects of the project during these meetings. The team had previously visited the Bay Terminal site several times."
"There is no uncertainty regarding the construction of the Bay Terminal. The WB is providing significant funding for the project. Before disbursing such a large sum, they are consulting with the firms on various issues, including the project's design. The Bay Terminal is expected to bring new momentum to the economy, not only in Chittagong but across the entire country," he added.
The Bay Terminal project, which will be built on the Patenga coastline over 900 acres, aims to boost Chittagong Port's container handling capacity from 3.1 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) annually to 5 million TEUs.
The terminal will also accommodate larger ships, which currently cannot dock at the existing jetties, and is expected to contribute up to 3 per cent to the national economic growth.
In June 2024, the WB's Board of Executive Directors approved the USD 650 million loan to support infrastructure development for the Bay Terminal. The project will enhance Bangladesh's global trade competitiveness by improving port operational efficiency and reducing import/export costs.
The Bay Terminal will feature four terminals, including a gas and oil terminal, and will incorporate key components such as two container terminals, a multi-purpose terminal, a breakwater, and an access channel. A loan agreement with the WB to construct the breakwater was signed in April 2025.
The Bay Terminal's development also includes a commitment by the Abu Dhabi Ports Group (AD Ports), which signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in May 2024 to invest USD 1 billion into the project.
Once completed, the Bay Terminal is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing transportation costs and enhancing port activities, bringing long-term economic benefits to both Chittagong and the broader country.
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