From Net Zero tech to bigger ships: What APM Terminals plans for Laldia

Laldia will be a showcase for APM Terminals in the region, where the company intends to prove how private capital, technical expertise, and public policy vision can combine to deliver transformative infrastructure on time.

These comments were made by Jonathan Goldner, chief executive for APM Terminals Asia and Middle East in an exclusive interview with The Business Standard's Mizanur Rahman Yousuf. 

What convinced APM to commit over $550 million?

Our decision reflects three converging factors that form a strong investment case. First, Bangladesh's economic trajectory is remarkable, with a diverse export base that remains resilient.

Second, the timing aligns with Bangladesh's graduation from LDC status, which will unlock new trade opportunities and demand top-quality infrastructure to make the most of this transition. Third, there is a genuine commitment to reform and fostering an environment conducive to public-private partnerships.

Bangladesh's export sector, particularly textiles, apparel, and emerging manufacturing, is strong, but we also believe that for further expansion, efficient port capacity is necessary to maintain competitiveness. The existing infrastructure constraints are well-documented, with congestion impacting logistics costs and delivery times.

When you combine market need with policy momentum and a framework that enables us to implement international best practices through a greenfield model, the investment case becomes evident.

Consequently, a long-term commitment proves its value in the current environment and the stability needed for long-term investments in equipment and skilled capacity building to create valuable jobs locally. 

What key indicators will measure APM Terminals' performance?

While the detailed performance framework is subject to commercial confidentiality, we can speak to the categories of commitments that will govern APM Terminals' operations.

These include our commitment to safety standards in our operations, vessel turnaround times, container dwell times, equipment availability and reliability, environmental compliance metrics aligned with our Net Zero commitments, and customer satisfaction indicators.

Laldia will be a showcase for us in the region, where we intend to prove how private capital, technical expertise, and public policy vision can combine to deliver transformative infrastructure on time.

Jonathan Goldner, Chief Executive, APM Terminals Asia and Middle East

How do you respond to concerns about transparency regarding the unsolicited proposal process?

APM Terminals upholds the highest standards of governance and transparency. With a proven track record across more than 60 terminals worldwide, we demonstrate our commitment to operating ethically and transparently in partnership with governments.

These partnerships ensure that the right investments are made in the countries where we operate and provide the stability needed for long-term logistics projects, which will have a lasting positive impact on the development of trade.

Neither the G2G framework established between Bangladesh and Denmark nor the Public-Private Partnership framework is unique. Such mechanisms are employed worldwide for complex infrastructure projects that demand specialised expertise.

In fact, the G2G Memorandum of Understanding was signed in 2021 between the Governments of Bangladesh and Denmark, and APM Terminals entered the discussions in 2024.

What matters most is that during this long period, all relevant stakeholders on both sides of the agreement, as well as the authorities, rigorously evaluated and subjected it to all necessary scrutiny over the years preceding the final approval.

Transparency in PPP doesn't mean every commercial detail becomes public. It means the process is lawful, the terms protect the public interest, and accountability is built into execution. The concession agreement includes clear performance obligations, regulatory oversight, and mechanisms for review.

What measurable value will APM Terminals bring beyond current port capabilities?

APM Terminals operates more than 60 ports and terminals worldwide. As per the World Bank's most recent Container Port Performance Index published in 2025, APM Terminals operates in 10 out of 20 of the world's most efficient ports in 2024 – more than any other terminal operator globally.

Broadly, through our global expertise, we aim to deliver operational excellence that has lifted the performance indices of other ports and terminals worldwide. Some of the significant upgrades that the infrastructure will see include:

Equipment and infrastructure: Potential access for vessels up to 6,000 TEU, as compared to the existing limitation of 2700 TEUs. Larger vessels mean more capacity, higher productivity and greater efficiency, all of which will contribute significantly to cost competitiveness.

Moreover, the overall additional capacity of over 800,000 TEUs to Bangladesh's port ecosystem will ensure that the infrastructure keeps pace with the growing trade.

Decarbonisation of Supply Chain operations: Electrified cargo-handling equipment, solar power installations, and shore-power-ready systems that enable vessels to plug into the grid will all help reduce the carbon footprint.  

Network effects: Our global network creates scheduling reliability and service quality. This translates into predictable sailing schedules, reduced inventory costs for manufacturers, and improved competitiveness in time-sensitive markets such as fast fashion.

Safe environment: International safety standards that determine whether global carriers and cargo owners choose your port. We bring immediate credibility with shipping lines, freight forwarders, and beneficial cargo owners worldwide.

What concrete technologies make Laldia Bangladesh's first truly "green port"?

APM Terminals has a global aim to achieve Net Zero emissions from its operations by 2040. With Laldia, our ambition is to build one of South Asia's first energy-efficient, low-emission terminals – aligned with net-zero principles and designed to support Bangladesh's long-term climate goals. Laldia will be designed and operated in accordance with internationally recognised environmental standards.

The key features would include electrified cargo handling equipment, solar power installations on terminal structures, and shore power-ready systems enabling vessels to plug into the grid.

These measures will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, noise and air pollution, benefiting employees, nearby communities and the environment. Across our global operations, we have solid experience implementing and training for battery-electric operations.

How will 6,000 TEU vessel capability change Chattogram's competitive position?

Currently, the 2,700 TEU limitation forces Bangladesh's cargo onto smaller feeder vessels that transship through Colombo, Singapore, or other regional hubs. This adds 7-14 days to supply chains, increases costs through double handling, and creates uncertainty.

With potential for up to 6,000 TEU capacity, Chattogram can accommodate modern, larger vessels operating mainline services between Asia, Europe, and North America.

This means direct calls from major shipping alliances rather than relying on smaller feeders. For Bangladeshi exporters, particularly in garments where lead times determine competitiveness, this is transformational with significant reductions in total logistics costs and improved delivery predictability.

How will you ensure meaningful technology transfer beyond the 500 operational jobs?

The way we operate our ports and terminals around the world and the standards we follow are always the same. This means we can create high-quality, modern jobs in a safe and respectful environment. While doing so, we also hope to become a good neighbour to society by training this generation of port employees who will also operate many other ports in the future.

We think about the human element in a way of creating two types of benefits for the local community. First is direct employment, and the other is the general social and economic benefits of secondary jobs.

How will you address concerns about conflicts of interest given Maersk's market position?

APM Terminals operates as an independent business unit within the AP Moller-Maersk. We serve all shipping lines, freight forwarders, and cargo owners on non-discriminatory terms, and that is fundamental to our business model and regulatory obligations.

In fact, it is in our interest to maximise the terminal utilisation by offering competitive offerings to attract diverse carrier customers. Playing favourites would undermine our commercial success and reputation. Shipping lines choose terminals based on service quality, reliability, and cost, factors we control through our operational excellence.

What long-term economic transformations do you expect Laldia to trigger by 2030 and beyond?

The immediate impact is reduced logistics costs and improved supply chain reliability for Bangladesh's export sectors. In the long term, this infrastructure development would support the growth and diversification of Bangladesh's exports.

More than 800,000 TEU of capacity will be added to the country's container trade once the Laldia Container terminal starts operating at its full capacity. Strengthening exports means economic growth across society, more jobs, and the creation of skilled labour through knowledge transfer.  

What safeguards ensure on-time delivery by 2030, and who bears risk for delays or overruns?

The Laldia Container Terminal project is a joint venture based on a design, build, finance, and operate model, in which the land we use to build the terminal remains with the country, and we enter into an agreement to operate the terminal for 30 years after construction is completed.

APM Terminals, the majority stakeholder in the joint venture alongside local partner QNS, faces the risk of not generating revenue until the terminal is operational, so any delays directly impact our returns.

We can also reaffirm that our reputation globally depends on delivering major projects successfully.

Laldia will be a showcase for us in the region where we intend to demonstrate how private capital, technical expertise, and public policy vision can combine to deliver transformative infrastructure on time and to specification. We've staked our commercial and reputational capital on this outcome, and Bangladesh can definitely count on us to deliver.