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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.
Thiruvananthapuram: Vizhinjam International Seaport has officially commenced full-scale Export-Import (EXIM) operations, opening a direct maritime gateway for cargo from South India to global markets. The launch was marked by the flag-off of the port’s first commercial export consignment to Valencia, Spain. The shipment, comprising frozen traditional food products from Thiruvananthapuram-based Nilamel Exporters, highlights the potential for the port to reduce transit times for exporters by eliminating overseas transhipment points. According to the port, shipments to European markets that previously took nearly 60 days could now reach their destinations in around 24 days by avoiding transhipment through hubs such as Colombo, Singapore and Dubai. The commencement of direct EXIM services marks a significant expansion of Vizhinjam’s role, positioning it not only as a transhipment facility but also as a gateway for inbound and outbound international cargo from the region. Ashwani Gupta, CEO and Director, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), said the company plans to invest an additional ₹16,000 crore to expand the port’s container-handling capacity from 1.6 million TEUs to 5.7 million TEUs. The expanded capacity is expected to strengthen Vizhinjam’s position as a major container hub in the Indian Ocean region as cargo volumes increase. The direct EXIM connectivity is also expected to benefit exporters across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka by reducing transhipment-related costs and shortening supply chain turnaround times. Key commodities from the region include spices, cashew, marine products, handlooms and manufactured goods. Vizhinjam’s location further supports its role as an international gateway. The port has a natural depth of around 20–24 metres and is located approximately 10 nautical miles from the major east-west international shipping route, allowing it to accommodate large container vessels with limited dredging requirements. The port also uses an automated container-handling system supported by artificial intelligence and algorithm-driven operations, aimed at improving cargo-handling efficiency and safety. With direct EXIM operations now underway and a major capacity expansion planned, Vizhinjam is emerging as an important addition to India’s maritime infrastructure and its efforts to connect domestic exporters more directly with global trade routes. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such news
AHMEDABAD - Decisive policy updates are approaching for India's maritime sector as the initial 30-year concession periods for Gujarat’s premier private ports near completion without a formal state extension policy in place. The Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) agreements for Gujarat's first generation of private ports which helped turn the state into India's largest maritime portalare entering their final years: APM Terminals Pipavav: Concession signed in 1998 ends on September 29, 2028. Mundra Port (APSEZ): Concession ends on February 16, 2031. Policy Uncertainty Hits Investment Commitments Despite repeated extension requests submitted by APM Terminals Pipavav (in 2011 and 2021) and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) (in 2015 and 2021), the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) has yet to announce a formal policy framework. GMB officials noted that discussions are ongoing and Union government approval has been sought, but no final decisions have been published. This lack of visibility creates hesitation around committing long-term capital. For example, APM Terminals Pipavav signed a non-binding ₹17,000-crore investment memorandum with the state government in late 2025, but explicitly indicated that major outlays depend on securing concession extension clarity. Evolving Concession Landscape While Gujarat’s original 1997 framework set a 30-year limit, neighboring maritime states have increasingly adopted longer operational horizons: Andhra Pradesh (Gangavaram & Krishnapatnam): 30-year initial period with potential 20-year extensions (50 years total). Kerala (Vizhinjam): 40-year initial period with 20-year extension provisions (60 years total). Odisha (Dhamra): 34-year initial concession period including construction. Recent decisions by Gujarat signal a shift toward alignment with these longer tenures. The state's updated shipbuilding policy extended waterfront concessions to up to 50 years. Additionally, GMB announced that six upcoming greenfield ports along the coastline will offer flexible BOOT concession terms ranging between 30 and 50 years. How the state resolves the extension of its flagship ports will serve as a crucial benchmark for private infrastructure partnerships nationwide. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates
Italian shipping company Ignazio Messina & C. has launched the Red Sea Express Line, expanding its India–Red Sea service network to increase sailing frequency and cargo capacity on a trade corridor that connects India with the Gulf and Saudi Arabia. The new service is scheduled to begin operations from Nhava Sheva on 27 August 2026. The Red Sea Express will operate alongside the company's existing Jolly Line service, providing additional departures and greater schedule flexibility for cargo moving between the Indian subcontinent and the Red Sea region. The move comes as shipping lines continue to strengthen service offerings on regional trade lanes amid growing demand for reliable connections. To support the new service, Ignazio Messina has deployed the MV Berham Box, a vessel dedicated exclusively to the Red Sea Express route. The service will follow a rotation of Nhava Sheva – Sohar – Jeddah – Nhava Sheva, operating on a 20-day frequency. The route is expected to provide regular connectivity between India, Oman and Saudi Arabia, supporting the movement of containerised cargo as well as industrial equipment, machinery and project cargo. Increased sailing options are also expected to improve supply chain planning for exporters and importers serving the region. The launch strengthens Ignazio Messina's presence in the Indian Ocean–Red Sea corridor, a market that has seen sustained demand for dependable shipping services. By adding capacity and dedicated vessel deployment, the carrier aims to improve network resilience while expanding its regional liner service portfolio. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
