Floating port on the seashore of Chittagong, Bangladesh

PDA delivers unique design with detailed feasibility study for a floating port on the seashore of Chittagong, Bangladesh

FLOATING PORT

Many regions in Southern Asia are experiencing an impressive economic expansion. One notable example is Bangladesh, with a yearly growth of around 7 percent. Looking to capitalize on the many opportunities in a sustainable way, the government of Bangladesh is studying how to innovate the country’s infrastructure. One priority is to enlarge the capacity of its ports and deep-sea access.

Answering a call from the Bangladeshi authorities, the PDA consortium has designed a unique floating port. The floating Chittagong sea terminal will include all necessary facilities for the automated handling and transshipment of 1 million TEU per year. And because of its modular design, the harbour can be further extended in an easy and fast way, for example to also handle bulk goods.

PDA’s floating port would be an ideal solution for Bangladesh, bringing a great many short-term and long-term benefits.

Faster construction

PDA’s design for a floating seaport has the decisive advantage that it doesn’t require intensive dredging in complex circumstances or prolonged land reclamation. It is expected that a floating harbour of **XXX hectares** can be completed in a mere **XXX months**.

Resilience to climate change

At least as important as the efficient building process independent of existing geophysical conditions, is the future-proof character of the construction. Unlike land-based delta harbours, this construction is resilient against a future sea level rise, making it an innovative climate-adaptive design.

Pioneering with proven technology

The new port will be constructed with tried-and-tested technologies. This includes the modular, floating components, the automated container handling, and the advanced security technology. The floating infrastructure will be delivered up-and-running, ready for immediate operation.

Feasibility in a broader context

The PDA consortium was selected by the Bangladeshi government to perform a broad feasibility study for the floating port concept. Next to the stringent engineering requirements and the critical climate conditions, PDA also studied the logistical, social, economical, and energy-related aspects. The PDA team is now ready to roll out the design and realize this advanced offshore building project. Once completed, the floating port will help Bangladesh in its accelerated and sustainable development.