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Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) is preparing to bring its operations at Bangladesh's Patenga Container Terminal to full capacity next month, marking a major milestone in its ongoing investment in the country's maritime infrastructure.
The development follows the arrival of four ship-to-shore gantry cranes, completing the terminal's planned equipment deployment and paving the way for a substantial increase in cargo-handling capability. Located within Chittagong Port, Bangladesh's busiest maritime gateway, the facility plays a critical role in supporting the nation's import and export trade.
RSGT has managed the Patenga Container Terminal since June 2024 under a 22-year concession agreement with the Chittagong Port Authority. Over the past two years, the company has focused on upgrading infrastructure, implementing operational technologies, and building a skilled workforce to support long-term terminal growth.
According to Sayed Aref Sarwar, Head of Commercial and Public Affairs at RSGT Bangladesh, the period since taking over operations has largely been dedicated to preparing the terminal for large-scale commercial activity.
With the installation of the final batch of equipment now complete, the company expects to begin operating the new cranes by mid-July. The addition is expected to significantly improve vessel turnaround times and overall terminal productivity.
Manufactured by Chinese equipment maker SANY, the cranes introduce capabilities not previously available at Bangladeshi ports. Designed to lift two 20-foot containers simultaneously, they are expected to accelerate cargo movements while supporting environmentally sustainable operations. Unlike conventional equipment, the cranes will run entirely on electricity, eliminating the need for fossil-fuel-powered operations within the terminal.
The company believes its current infrastructure will be sufficient to accommodate projected cargo volumes in the near term, although further expansion remains a possibility as demand grows.
RSGT's presence has already begun reshaping operations at the terminal. Container throughput is expected to rise from around 155,000 TEUs to nearly 400,000 TEUs this year, representing approximately 12 percent of Chittagong Port's overall container traffic. Looking ahead, the terminal is projected to handle more than 500,000 TEUs in 2027, potentially accounting for close to 17 percent of the port's total volumes.
As the first foreign operator to manage a Bangladeshi port terminal, RSGT has also made workforce development a key part of its strategy. The company has invested roughly US$170 million in modernising the facility and currently employs around 500 permanent staff, supported by approximately 800 contract workers.
Notably, all employees are Bangladeshi nationals. To build specialised expertise, RSGT has conducted training programmes both within Bangladesh and overseas, including operational training assignments at facilities in Saudi Arabia. The initiative is aimed at addressing the shortage of globally trained port professionals and strengthening the country's long-term maritime capabilities.
The upcoming transition to full-capacity operations is expected to enhance Chittagong Port's efficiency and reinforce its role as a key logistics hub for the Bay of Bengal region.
The Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) is exploring a partnership with Japan's Urban Renaissance Agency (UR) to support the redevelopment of its waterfront and advance its Vision 2047 Master Plan, aimed at integrating port infrastructure with urban development and improving public access to the city's coastline. The proposal was discussed during a high-level meeting in Japan between MbPA Chairman M. Angamuthu and UR Director General Takehiro Umezu. The discussions focused on potential collaboration in waterfront revitalisation, port-city integration, urban design, mobility planning and the sustainable development of port-linked areas. UR expressed interest in contributing as a knowledge and planning partner for the long-term project. Officials also reviewed several projects planned under Mumbai Port's Vision 2047 roadmap, including the proposed Maharashtra Shipbuilding Cluster, marina and waterfront developments, an international convention centre, public recreational spaces and water-based transport systems such as water taxis and water buses. The initiatives are intended to improve urban mobility while enhancing the utilisation of port-owned land. During the meeting, the Japanese delegation shared insights from major urban redevelopment projects, including Yokohama Minato Mirai 21, Umekita Osaka and Sannomiya Kobe, highlighting approaches to waterfront transformation, transit-oriented development and integrated urban planning that could be adapted for Mumbai. The discussions also covered the integration of the proposed Metro Line 11 stations around Sewri with future port development plans. Both sides agreed to continue technical exchanges, with the possibility of involving the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in planning and infrastructure development. The engagement marks an early step in Mumbai Port's efforts to incorporate international best practices into its long-term redevelopment strategy. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, has received the maiden call of MV ESL Shekou under Emirates Shipping Lines' ECSX Service, marking the addition of a new international container service at the Kandla International Container Terminal (KICT). The vessel berthed at the terminal on June 18, strengthening the port's connectivity with key overseas trade routes. The vessel measures 276 metres in length overall (LOA) and has a gross registered tonnage (GRT) of 66,280 metric tonnes, making it one of the larger container ships to call at the terminal. Its successful handling reflects the port's capability to accommodate modern, high-capacity container vessels and support growing container traffic. The new ECSX service is expected to provide exporters and importers with additional shipping options while improving cargo connectivity between India and international markets served by Emirates Shipping Lines. The service is also likely to enhance schedule reliability and increase capacity for containerised trade through Kandla. Port officials said the maiden call represents growing confidence among global shipping lines in Deendayal Port's infrastructure and operational capabilities. The addition of another mainline service is expected to strengthen the port's position as a key gateway for containerised cargo on India's western coast and support the country's expanding international trade network. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
A potential US-Iran peace agreement and the easing of sanctions on Tehran could breathe new life into India’s long-standing investment in Iran’s Chabahar Port, a strategic logistics hub that offers New Delhi direct access to Afghanistan, Central Asia and beyond. Recent diplomatic developments between Washington and Tehran, including commitments to restore maritime trade and ease restrictions, are being viewed as a significant opportunity for regional connectivity and supply chain diversification. For India, Chabahar has always been more than a port project. Situated on Iran’s southeastern coast along the Gulf of Oman, the port serves as a critical gateway that bypasses Pakistan and provides access to landlocked markets in Afghanistan and Central Asia. It is also a key component of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal trade route linking India with Eurasian markets. However, progress at Chabahar has repeatedly been hampered by US sanctions on Iran. The expiry of sanctions waivers and heightened geopolitical tensions over the past year created uncertainty around investments, insurance coverage, banking transactions and port operations, slowing the project’s momentum. The emerging US-Iran understanding could change that landscape. The proposed agreement includes provisions aimed at restoring freedom of navigation, reopening trade routes and gradually lifting sanctions linked to Iran’s economy and maritime sector. Such measures could improve investor confidence, facilitate financing and enable smoother cargo movement through Iranian ports. Industry observers believe renewed stability in the region could strengthen Chabahar’s role as a regional logistics hub. The port has the potential to become a crucial node for Indian exports heading to Central Asia and Russia while supporting alternative supply chains that reduce dependence on traditional maritime corridors. Greater activity at Chabahar could also complement India’s broader connectivity strategy and enhance resilience against geopolitical disruptions. Beyond logistics, the agreement could also support India’s energy security. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the return of Iranian oil to global markets are expected to improve supply availability and ease freight uncertainties across key shipping lanes. Lower energy costs and smoother maritime operations would further benefit trade and transportation sectors. While the final contours of the US-Iran arrangement remain under negotiation, the prospect of reduced sanctions and greater regional stability has revived hopes that Chabahar can finally fulfil its promise as India’s strategic gateway to Central Asia and a vital link in emerging Eurasian supply chains. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
