Int’l tender for marine infrastructure development likely in October

The international tender for the construction of the Bay Terminal Marine Infrastructure Development (BTMID) project – the largest expansion initiative undertaken by Chattogram Port – is likely to be floated in October this year.
The implementing agency, the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA), is moving ahead with the project and aims to complete the drawings and detailed designs by September.
A two-dimensional (2D) simulation for the breakwater and navigation channel was conducted in Singapore between 3 and 13 May.
In addition, three-dimensional (3D) and full-bridge simulations for various project components are scheduled to take place in South Africa in July, according to project officials.
At the same time, discussions are underway with PSA Singapore and DP World regarding the development of the facility’s two container terminals under separate arrangements. The CPA will independently develop a multipurpose terminal.
Speaking to the Daily Sun, Project Director Commodore Md Mahfuzur Rahman said that the 2D simulation for the breakwater and navigation channel development had already been completed.
“The 3D and full-bridge simulations are scheduled to be conducted in South Africa next month. Based on the findings, the consultant will prepare the detailed drawing and design,” he said.

“Upon completion of the detailed design and tender specifications in August and September, we expect to invite international tenders for the marine infrastructure development in October this year,”  

Commodore Rahman added.
“We have already secured funding approval from the international lender World Bank (WB) and hope to complete the project by the deadline of 30 June 2031,” he said.
Notably, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the marine infrastructure development project, involving an investment of Tk13,525.57 crore, on 20 April last year.
Of the total project cost, the CPA will contribute Tk4,192.57 crore from its own funds, while the remaining Tk9,333 crore will be financed by the World Bank.
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved US$650 million for the project on 28 June 2024.
Under the project, a 6.217-kilometre climate-resilient breakwater will be constructed to protect the harbour from waves, currents and extreme weather conditions.
The project also includes dredging of the port basin, entrance channel, and a 7-kilometre-long, 600-metre-wide access channel to facilitate vessel movement.
Following recommendations from the relevant evaluation committee, the CPA incorporated several additional components – including hinterland and common facilities – into the original plan for the climate-resilient breakwater and access channel dredging works to ensure faster and smoother implementation.
According to sources, the integrated components include the construction of roads and an internal drainage system for the three terminals spread across a four-kilometre area, as well as a service jetty, administrative building, medical centre, fire station, police station, Ansar and security barracks, water treatment plant and fish landing station.
Following the integration of these components, the total project cost was estimated at around Tk14,600 crore. However, in the revised Development Project Proposal (DPP), the final project cost was set at Tk13,525.57 crore.
The Bay Terminal, comprising one multipurpose terminal and two container terminals, is expected to handle more than three million containers annually, compared with the 3.4 million containers currently handled by Chattogram Port.
At present, the port can accommodate vessels with a maximum draft of 9.5 metres and a length of 190 metres only during high tide and daylight hours. Vessels carrying up to 2,400 containers can currently berth at its jetties.
However, once the breakwater and access channel are completed, vessels with a draft of 11.5 metres and a length of 300 metres will be able to berth around the clock, carrying up to 4,800 containers.
The three terminals will feature a total of 13 jetties, which will be developed under separate projects along a 3.95-kilometre stretch adjacent to the City Outer Ring Road.