How ports are managed globally
Chattogram Port, Mongla Port and Payra Port operate under the tool port model.
The global maritime industry manages its gateways to the world through four distinct models of port management – service port, tool port, landlord port and pure private port – ranging from total state control to complete private ownership.
Understanding these systems is key to seeing how Bangladesh is shifting its own maritime strategy to accommodate growing trade volumes.
The government plans to allow private-sector participation under the landlord port model.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
In a landlord port, land belongs to the government, while most infrastructure is built and operated by the private sector.
Bangladesh's Laldia Container Terminal and Patenga Container Terminal fall under this category.
Currently, Chattogram Port, Mongla Port and Payra Port operate under the tool port model.
In a tool port, land, infrastructure and equipment belong to the state or port authority, while private companies use the facilities for cargo loading and unloading.
A service port is fully state-owned, including land, infrastructure, equipment and labour.
Meanwhile, a pure private port is one in which everything, including land ownership, belongs to private entities.
India's Mundra Port, owned by Adani, is an example of a pure private port. Similar ports exist in the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, the UK and Brazil.
