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Breakwater Construction CPA: Chattogram Port Breakwater Project Analysis

Overview of the CPA Breakwater Construction Project

The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) is advancing a breakwater construction project to protect the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port, Bangladesh's largest seaport. The project is a strategic marine infrastructure initiative designed to protect port facilities and anchored vessels from cyclones and high waves in the Bay of Bengal while establishing the prerequisite infrastructure for future outer harbor container terminal development.

Chattogram
Location
Outer Anchorage
$850M
Project Budget
Approx. Tk 102B
3.2km
Breakwater Length
Main + secondary
-15m
Water Depth
CD basis
JICA + CPA
Funding
ODA loan + internal
5 years
Construction Period
2024 to 2029

Breakwater Structure and Package Composition

Major CPA Breakwater Construction Packages
PackageScopeScaleEstimated ValueMethod
BW-1Main breakwater2.2km$450MRubble mound + armor rock
BW-2Secondary breakwater1.0km$200MCaisson vertical wall
BW-3Channel dredgingDepth -15m$100MTSHD dredging
BW-4Navigational aidsLighthouses and buoys$30MInstallation works
PMCProject managementAll packages$70MQCBS

Technical Specifications and Design Conditions

Design Environment
Design wave heightHs=5.5m (50-year return)
Cyclone standardPrepared for Category 4
Tidal range5.2m (spring tide)
Seabed geologySoft clay + sand
Core Breakwater Specs
Crest elevation+8.0m (CD)
Armor unitAccropode II (25 tons)
Rock material1 to 10 tons (core and filter)
Caisson size15m x 20m x 16m
01
Project Background: A Prerequisite for Outer Harbor Development
Chattogram Port is still centered on the inner port, which limits access for large vessels above 8,000 TEU. CPA plans to develop a deep-sea container terminal in the outer harbor, and the breakwater is indispensable enabling infrastructure. Without a breakwater, terminal operations in the outer harbor would remain highly exposed to cyclones and severe wave conditions in the Bay of Bengal.
02
Tender Structure and Procurement Route
The JICA ODA loan packages BW-1 and BW-2 are expected to follow SOTB conditions that are relatively favorable to Japanese prime contractors. By contrast, BW-3 dredging is likely to be procured through international competitive bidding, leaving room for Korean dredging contractors to participate. BW-4 navigational aids are expected to be tendered separately using CPA budget.
03
Entry Opportunities for Korean Companies
Potential opportunities include BW-3 dredging with Korean firms that operate TSHD fleets, on-site production of 25-ton Accropode II armor units, caisson fabrication and installation using floating dock techniques, exports of navigational aids such as lighthouses, buoys, and AIS systems, and indirect participation in BW-1 and BW-2 through joint ventures with Japanese prime contractors.
04
Key Risks and Response Measures
Major risks include the monsoon season from June to September that sharply limits marine works, cyclone damage during construction requiring insurance and emergency planning, soft seabed conditions that may trigger extra ground improvement costs, and difficulty securing high-quality rock in Bangladesh, which may require imports from India or use of artificial aggregates.

Implementation Timeline

2022
JICA feasibility study completed
↓
2023
ODA loan exchange of notes
↓
2024
Detailed design and tendering
↓
2025 to 2026
BW-1 and BW-3 start construction
↓
2027 to 2028
BW-2 and BW-4 construction
↓
2029
Completion and commencement of operations
Coastal Embankment Improvement Phase-IIA coastal protection infrastructure program
Chattogram Metropolitan SewerageUrban infrastructure development in Chattogram

The CPA breakwater project is core enabling infrastructure for outer harbor development in Chattogram and represents a large-scale marine construction opportunity worth roughly USD 850 million. By combining 3.2km of breakwaters with channel dredging, the project is intended to create berthing conditions for larger vessels. Korean companies may find viable entry points in dredging, armor unit production, and navigational aid equipment, while a joint venture strategy with Japanese prime contractors may also offer a practical route into the project.

CPABreakwaterPortChattogramMarine Construction
Breakwater Construction CPA: Chattogram Port Breakwater Project Analysis | Dhaka Trade Portal