- Chittagong port News
The Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) has requested a three-month interim extension for Saif Powertec Limited to continue operating the New Mooring Container Terminal, as its current contract is set to expire on 6 July. This move comes amid preparations to hand over operations to DP World, a UAE-based global port operator, under a government-to-government agreement facilitated by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Saif Powertec has managed the terminal since 2007, mostly through direct procurement rather than open tender. The extension is intended to ensure continuity during the transition, with the government aiming to finalize the agreement with DP World by September.
This shift has sparked debate, especially given the long-standing use of direct procurement and the lack of open tendering, which some officials have criticized. The CPA is also working on amending regulatory clauses that previously limited competition for terminal operations.
If you’re tracking port infrastructure developments or regional logistics shifts, this transition could have broader implications for trade dynamics in South Asia. Want to explore how this might affect shipping routes or regional supply chains?
