Four state-of-the-art Quay Gantry Cranes (QGCs) have arrived at Chattogram Port’s Patenga Container Terminal (PCT), marking a significant step toward enhancing the terminal’s operational efficiency and container handling capacity.
The specialized deck vessel MV Lan Hai Hong Yun, carrying the cranes berthed at Chattogram Port’s Patenga Container Terminal (PCT) jetty on Friday evening.
According to port and terminal sources, Saudi Arabia-based Red Sea Gateway Terminal International (RSGTI) procured the four ship-to-shore quay gantry cranes from China’s Sany Marine Heavy Industry at a cost of approximately US$30 million. The purchase agreement for the cranes was signed in February 2025.
Md. Nasir Uddin, Secretary of Chattogram Port Authority (additional charge), said the vessel was safely berthed with the assistance of two port pilots and three tugboats. He added that special navigation precautions have been imposed in the PCT-adjacent area of the Karnaphuli River during the unloading operation, with commercial vessels, coasters, tankers, and fishing trawlers advised to exercise caution.
Port officials explained that quay gantry cranes are among the most advanced pieces of equipment used for the rapid and safe loading and unloading of containers from container vessels. They are particularly essential for handling ships that do not have onboard cranes.
According to RSGTI, the commissioning of the four new cranes will increase PCT’s annual container handling capacity from the current 250,000 TEUs to 600,000 TEUs. The enhanced capacity is expected to reduce vessel waiting times, improve operational efficiency, and significantly lower logistics costs.
Earlier, RSGTI invested around US$26 million to procure 14 Rubber-Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes for the terminal. Officials said the newly arrived QGCs may take approximately one month to be fully installed and become operational.
The Chattogram Port Authority constructed the Patenga Container Terminal at a cost of around BDT 12 billion. In December 2023, RSGTI was awarded the responsibility of operating the terminal under a 22-year concession agreement with the port authority. Under the agreement, the company is investing US$170 million in modernization, equipment procurement, and technological upgrades.
From January to May this year, PCT handled 143,000 TEUs of containers. Stakeholders believe that the introduction of the new gantry cranes will further accelerate container transportation and vessel handling operations, strengthening the terminal’s role in supporting Bangladesh’s growing trade and logistics sector.