Bangladesh, APM Terminals sign $550m deal for new Laldia terminal
The landmark agreement boosts Bangladesh’s port capacity, supports exporters and advances the country’s first green port.
Bangladesh has secured a landmark investment of more than $550 million from APM Terminals for the development of the Laldia Container Terminal in Chattogram, marking one of the country’s largest PPP projects and strengthening South Asia’s maritime links with Africa and global markets. The concession agreement, signed on 17 November 2025, is set to boost trade efficiency, expand port capacity, and create new economic opportunities.
The agreement was signed between the Chittagong Port Authority and APM Terminals, part of A.P. Moller – Maersk, along with QNS Container Services, APM Terminals will operate the terminal for 30 years, with a possible extension based on performance. The investors will design, finance, build and operate the terminal, making it the first fully private model of its kind for Bangladesh’s port sector.
Keith Svendsen, CEO of APM Terminals, said the greenfield project reflects strong confidence in Bangladesh’s potential. He said it will support manufacturers, exporters and importers, and help create skilled jobs while ensuring a safe and efficient terminal for long-term growth.
The development falls under the Sustainable Green Framework Engagement between Denmark and Bangladesh, which aims to promote green investment, job creation and sustainable economic ties. Professor Muhammad Yunus, Honourable Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh, said the terminal will be the country’s first green port and the largest European FDI in Bangladesh. He said the collaboration will ease logistics bottlenecks and create new opportunities for exporters.
Denmark’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, said the investment shows continued confidence in Bangladesh, noting that Maersk already handles nearly 30 percent of the country’s container flows. Rear Admiral S. M. Moniruzzaman, Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority, said the project will increase the port’s capacity and efficiency. QNS Chairman Nurul Qayyum Khan said the partnership showcases international and local expertise working together to strengthen Bangladesh’s port infrastructure.
The terminal is expected to start operations in 2030 and increase the country’s annual handling capacity by more than 800,000 TEUs, helping exporters in textiles, apparel and manufacturing move goods more efficiently. Over time, Chattogram Port will be able to receive vessels of up to 6,000 TEU, compared with the current limit of 2,800 TEU, reducing congestion and lowering logistics costs.
The project is expected to generate over 1,000 jobs during construction and more than 500 during operations. APM Terminals plans to introduce training and apprenticeship programmes to build local talent. The Laldia facility will be developed as an energy-efficient and low-emission terminal, aligned with net-zero goals and international safety and environmental standards. It will include electrified cargo handling equipment, solar installations and shore power-ready systems to reduce emissions, noise and air pollution.
