“The amount of import and export of Bangladesh is increasing. The World Bank is also supporting the implementation of various projects in this country’s progress,” said Abdoulaye Seck
The World Bank’s Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, Abdoulaye Seck, has announced that the financing for the construction of the breakwater and channel at Chattogram Port’s Bay Terminal will commence shortly.
He noted, “We have engaged in discussions with the private sector as part of the social and environmental feasibility study before funding the Bay Terminal project.” Seck, accompanied by a World Bank delegation, participated in a dialogue with leaders of the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) in Agrabad, the port city, on Wednesday 1st November 2023.
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He further underscored that the implementation of the Bay Terminal project would convert Chattogram into a thriving logistics hub by enhancing its maritime connectivity.
Additionally, the expansion of Bay Terminal will play a pivotal role in fortifying the ongoing connectivity project linking Chattogram, India’s landlocked North-East, as well as Bhutan and Nepal, highlighting the project’s extensive benefits that extend well beyond the boundaries of Chattogram Port.
These spokespersons reiterated the World Bank’s dedication to sustaining its collaborative initiatives with Bangladesh.
Bay Terminal Project: An Overview
The Bay Terminal Project, inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in November 2018, is a pivotal infrastructure endeavor set to redefine Chattogram Port’s capabilities. At its core, the project aims to establish three terminals at Halishahar in Chattogram, with the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) taking charge of both their construction and operation. These ambitious developments are anticipated to metamorphose Chittagong into a prominent maritime connectivity hub, streamlining the movement of goods and bolstering trade efficiency.
Bay Terminal Revolutionizes Ship Handling and Capacity
The upcoming Bay Terminal is set to enhance these limitations, enabling the handling of vessels up to 12 meters in depth and 260 meters in length. This advancement eliminates the reliance on high tide for ship berthing. Upon successful implementation of this project, the Bay Terminal will accommodate massive ships carrying up to 6,000 containers, a significant upgrade from the current port’s capacity, which can only manage vessels with a maximum of 1,800 containers. The construction of the Bay Terminal will span approximately 2,500 acres of land, comprising 871 acres of both privately owned and government-owned land, as well as an additional 1,600 acres that have emerged from the sea.
Bay Terminal Expansion
- Feature: Increased Depth and Length
- Maximum Depth: 12 meters
- Maximum Length: 260 meters
- No reliance on high tide for berthing
- Improved Capacity
- Up to 6,000 containers per ship
- Up from current 1,800 container capacity
Expansion Area
- Total Land Area: 2,500 acres
- Privately Owned Land: 871 acres
- Government-Owned Land: 871 acres
- Additional Land from Sea: 1,600 acres
- World Bank’s Involvement
In 2017, the World Bank approved a substantial $350 million loan specifically designated for the Breakwater and Access Channel section, one of the four primary segments of the Bay Terminal Project. However, due to a delay in securing financing for the other sections of the project, construction work couldn’t commence as planned.
During the recent meeting with CCCI leaders, World Bank Country Director Abdoulaye Seck underscored the significance of the Bay Terminal Project, stating that it would play a pivotal role in transforming Chattogram into a logistics hub through sea connectivity.
Seck emphasized that Bangladesh has ambitious development goals, with plans to transition into a middle-income country by 2026 and a developed country by 2041. As trade volumes continue to rise, the World Bank sees projects like the Bay Terminal as crucial to supporting the nation’s progress and economic development.
Seck also highlighted the World Bank’s collaborative approach, where it engages with the private sector during the Social and Environmental Feasibility Study phase before providing funding. This approach ensures that the project meets the needs of all stakeholders, particularly the private sector, which plays a crucial role in driving economic growth.
According to Seck, the World Bank is committed to quickly financing the construction of the breakwater and channel of the Bay Terminal Project, which will significantly enhance Chattogram Port’s capacity.
WB Backs Bangladesh’s Development Goals
The Country Director of the World Bank for Bangladesh and Bhutan underscored Bangladesh’s ambitious development objectives. He noted that Bangladesh is actively working towards achieving middle-income status by 2026 and has set its sights on becoming a developed nation by 2041. Importantly, as Bangladesh’s import and export activities continue to grow, the World Bank is actively engaged in providing support and implementing various projects crucial to the country’s progress.
Furthermore, the World Bank delegation reiterated their commitment to maintaining the ongoing collaboration with the World Bank, with a specific focus on nurturing and developing the youth of Bangladesh into skilled human resources. This joint effort will include the organization of various knowledge-based training sessions and specialized workshops, aimed at fostering future leaders in partnership with the CCCI.
