RSGT Bangladesh Inauguration Marks New Era for Maritime Trade and Port Efficiency

Photo: CNI

Diplomatic Correspondent: Finance Minister Amir Khosru calls for further Saudi investment as RSGT commissions four advanced ship-to-shore cranes

The grand inauguration ceremony of RSGT Bangladesh marked a significant milestone in the development of Bangladesh’s maritime infrastructure, port efficiency and global trade connectivity.

The ceremony brought together senior representatives from the governments of Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with port authorities, financial institutions, shipping companies, business leaders and other key stakeholders.

RSGT Bangladesh, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Gateway Terminal International, operates the Patenga Container Terminal at Chattogram Port under a 22-year concession agreement with the Chittagong Port Authority. It is Bangladesh’s first international container-terminal operator.

Addressing the ceremony, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury congratulated RSGT Bangladesh on completing the project within the scheduled period. He said the investment demonstrated the growing strength of Bangladesh’s maritime sector and reflected the modern logistics ecosystem the government seeks to establish.

“The successful completion of this project speaks volumes about Bangladesh’s maritime potential and the logistical future we are trying to build,” the minister said.

He highlighted the importance of efficient port operations in reducing vessel turnaround times, lowering logistics expenses and improving Bangladesh’s overall business environment.

According to the minister, delays in unloading vessels and delivering goods directly increase the cost of doing business. Every hour saved in port and cargo operations, he said, makes businesses more efficient and enables exporters and importers to fulfil their commitments to customers more effectively.

“Every hour and every day cost money in business. The faster goods are delivered to business premises, the lower the cost of doing business,” he said.

The finance minister described port efficiency as an essential requirement for the economic growth of any country. He noted that Bangladesh was aspiring to become a trillion-dollar economy by 2034 and said the country’s port capacity would need to expand substantially to support that ambition.

He expressed hope that RSGT’s involvement would not be limited to the Patenga Container Terminal and encouraged the Saudi company to consider further investments in Bangladesh’s ports, logistics and other potential sectors.

“Let this not be RSGT’s last investment in Bangladesh. We would like to see more investments from the company, including in other areas of the economy,” he said.

The minister also outlined the government’s deregulation programme, saying reforms were being introduced to remove unnecessary bureaucratic procedures, reduce delays and create a more business-friendly regulatory environment.

He assured RSGT Bangladesh and other investors of the government’s full cooperation in operating, expanding and financing their ventures.

“You will have the total support of the government in running your business, developing your venture and expanding your investment. Any support you require will be ready,” he said.

Four advanced cranes commissioned

RSGT Bangladesh Chief Executive Officer Erwin Haaze described the inauguration as a celebration of partnership, perseverance and shared success.

“Today is much more than the completion of a project. It is a celebration of partnership, perseverance and shared success,” Haaze said.

He thanked the Government of Bangladesh, the Public-Private Partnership Authority, Chittagong Port Authority, National Board of Revenue, Customs and other government agencies for their cooperation throughout the project’s development.

Haaze also acknowledged the contribution of the project’s financing partners, including the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector, Infrastructure Development Company Limited, Bangladesh Infrastructure Finance Fund Limited and Pubali Bank PLC.

He paid special tribute to RSGT Bangladesh’s employees, saying their professionalism, dedication and hard work had been central to the project’s success.

“The achievement belongs to our employees and all the stakeholders whose commitment enabled us to reach this important milestone,” he said.

The commissioning of four new ship-to-shore, or STS, cranes represents a major phase in the terminal’s development. Procured through an investment of approximately $30 million, the technologically advanced cranes are expected to improve vessel-handling speed, berth productivity, operational reliability and the terminal’s capacity to accommodate larger ships.

Haaze said the equipment would create greater value for customers while strengthening Bangladesh’s international trade competitiveness through reduced logistics costs and improved port performance.

He thanked shipping lines and customers for their continued confidence in RSGT Bangladesh and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to providing efficient, reliable and internationally competitive terminal services.

Looking ahead, Haaze said RSGT Bangladesh would continue investing in its workforce, technology and infrastructure while maintaining close cooperation with the government, port authorities and other stakeholders.

“Together, we will support Bangladesh’s ambition to become a leading maritime and logistics hub in the region,” he said.

The inauguration reflects the strengthening economic partnership between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia and demonstrates the potential of public-private partnerships and foreign investment to modernise the country’s critical infrastructure.

With advanced cargo-handling technology and international operating expertise, RSGT Bangladesh is expected to play an increasingly important role in reducing vessel turnaround times, improving supply-chain efficiency and supporting Bangladesh’s long-term trade and economic growth.