The terminal, located at Chittagong Port, Bangladesh’s largest seaport and principal gateway for international trade, is expected to substantially increase container-handling capacity following the deployment of four specialized gantry cranes that arrived on site on Friday, company officials said.

RSGT has operated the Patenga Container Terminal since June 2024 under a 22-year concession agreement with the Chittagong Port Authority. The company described the past two years as a preparation and soft-launch phase focused on infrastructure upgrades, workforce development and technology deployment.

“The final phase of equipment requirements has now been completed,” Sayed Aref Sarwar, head of commercial and public affairs at RSGT Bangladesh, said, adding that the new cranes are expected to become operational by mid-July.

Manufactured by China’s SANY, the cranes are designed to handle two 40-foot containers simultaneously, a capability not previously available at Bangladeshi ports. According to the company, the equipment will operate entirely on electricity, eliminating the use of fossil fuels during crane operations and supporting the terminal’s low-emissions strategy.

Chittagong Port handled approximately 3.41 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2025, maintaining its position as the busiest container port on the Bay of Bengal and the country’s most important maritime trade hub.

RSGT currently processes about 155,000 TEUs annually at Patenga. With the new equipment entering service, the company expects throughput to rise to around 400,000 TEUs this year, accounting for roughly 12% of Chittagong Port’s total container traffic.

The terminal’s annual capacity is projected to exceed 500,000 TEUs in 2027, equivalent to approximately 17% of the port’s container volume, according to company estimates.

The expansion reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing commercial footprint in South Asia and underscores efforts by Bangladeshi authorities to modernize port infrastructure to accommodate rising trade volumes and improve logistics efficiency.

RSGT said it has invested approximately $170 million in upgrading the terminal since assuming operations. The company employs around 500 permanent staff and approximately 800 contract workers, all of whom are Bangladeshi nationals.

Company officials said employees have undergone specialized training both domestically and abroad, including operational programs in Saudi Arabia, as part of efforts to address skills shortages in Bangladesh’s port sector.

RSGT is the first foreign operator to manage a Bangladeshi port facility, a development viewed by industry observers as part of broader efforts to attract international expertise and capital into the country’s transport and logistics infrastructure.

Stepwells, deep wells accessed by descending stairways, were widely used between the 11th and 18th centuries to store rainwater and provide year-round access to groundwater. Once common across large parts of India, many fell into disuse during British colonial rule and were gradually abandoned, buried or converted into dumping sites.

The revival effort has gained momentum as India faces growing water stress. According to World Bank data, around 600 million people in the country experience water shortages, while climate-related droughts have intensified pressure on already strained resources.

One of the most prominent restoration projects is the Bansilalpet stepwell in Secunderabad, in the southern state of Telangana. The 18th-century structure, originally built during the rule of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, had deteriorated into a waste disposal site before being restored in 2022 by the nonprofit Rainwater Project.

Kalpana Ramesh, an urban designer and founder of the organization, said the initiative sought to reconnect communities with traditional water systems while improving local environmental conditions. The restored site has since become a public gathering space and tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors each month.

Ramesh said the project demonstrates how existing heritage infrastructure could contribute to water security without requiring entirely new construction. Her organization has restored 30 stepwells across Telangana and is currently working on six additional sites.

The restoration model is also being adopted in other regions. In Maharashtra, another state facing recurring water stress, Pune-based nonprofit Sevavardhi has revived 26 stepwells since 2023, focusing on drought-prone districts.

Its first major project was completed in Jejuri, a pilgrimage town near Pune. According to Sevavardhi Chairwoman Girija Sirshikar, the restored stepwell now supplies substantial quantities of water during the dry months, helping local communities cope with seasonal shortages.

The organization plans to restore at least 100 stepwells over the next several years, combining water conservation objectives with the preservation of historical architecture.

Experts involved in the projects say stepwells offer multiple benefits beyond water storage. Their design allows rainwater to recharge underground aquifers naturally, while their shaded, below-ground structures can provide relief from extreme heat. Historically, they also served as important social and community spaces.

The renewed interest in stepwells reflects a broader search for sustainable water-management solutions as India grapples with rising temperatures, rapid urbanization and increasing demand for freshwater resources.

Conservationists argue that restoring existing stepwells could complement modern infrastructure projects, particularly in historic cities where many of the structures remain intact beneath decades of neglect.

As water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing challenge across India, the revival of these medieval engineering systems is drawing attention as a practical and culturally significant tool for strengthening long-term water resilience.

The project, located in Boden, northern Sweden, marks a cornerstone in Europe’s green industrial transformation and a powerful symbol of how innovation and sustainability can coexist in heavy manufacturing.

Formerly known as H2 Green Steel, Stegra has already secured €6.5 billion in funding for its state-of-the-art steel plant, which is currently under construction. The facility aims to produce high-quality steel using renewable hydrogen rather than coal — a groundbreaking shift that could eliminate up to 95% of CO₂ emissions typically generated in traditional steelmaking processes.

The new funding round, announced on Monday, will help Stegra address rising project costs and strengthen its financial foundation. According to CEO Henrik Henriksson, the financing will also replace certain state grants that were initially expected but not received.

“We already have initial equity commitments from both founders and lead investors,” Henriksson said, expressing confidence that investor support for the company’s sustainable mission remains strong.

This new injection of capital will allow Stegra to expand its technological capabilities, enhance infrastructure, and accelerate its mission of creating carbon-free steel for the global market.

A spokesperson for the company confirmed that the financing will combine equity, debt, and strategic partnerships, ensuring a balanced and resilient financial structure. “We expect that this will carry us through the completion of the factory and the scaling up of volumes,” she said.

The Boden plant stands at the heart of Sweden’s vision to become a leader in the green transition. With its abundant supply of renewable electricity from hydropower and wind energy, northern Sweden offers the perfect environment for producing green hydrogen — the clean fuel that powers Stegra’s innovative production process.

By replacing coal with hydrogen, the company is pioneering a new model for sustainable steelmaking that could dramatically reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.

The significance of Stegra’s work extends beyond Sweden. As the global steel sector contributes nearly 8% of global CO₂ emissions, the company’s hydrogen-based production model offers a scalable solution for industries worldwide looking to decarbonize without sacrificing economic growth or industrial competitiveness.

Despite recent challenges faced by Europe’s broader green tech sector — including the bankruptcy of some battery manufacturers like Northvolt — Stegra remains a beacon of resilience. Its progress underscores that the future of heavy industry lies in innovation, renewable energy, and long-term sustainability.

Experts say that Stegra’s success could set a precedent for how hard-to-electrify industries, such as steelmaking and long-distance transportation, can embrace cleaner technologies.

The company’s advancements have already attracted global attention, with several international investors viewing it as a model for responsible industrial transformation.

The upcoming financing round is expected to not only secure Stegra’s near-term goals but also support the creation of strategic outsourcing partnerships, enabling greater efficiency and collaboration with global suppliers.

In a statement, Stegra confirmed it is in advanced talks with several partners to optimize production and streamline operations.

As global demand for low-carbon materials grows, Stegra’s environmentally conscious approach positions Sweden as a leader in green manufacturing innovation. The project also aligns with the European Union’s climate goals, which aim for carbon neutrality by 2050.

In the words of Henrik Henriksson, “Stegra’s mission is to prove that sustainability and industrial strength can go hand in hand. We are not just building a steel plant; we are building the foundation for a cleaner, more resilient future.”

With strong investor confidence, cutting-edge hydrogen technology, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, Stegra is poised to redefine the steel industry — turning one of the world’s most carbon-intensive sectors into a driver of the green revolution.

The three-day event, which drew industry professionals and policymakers from over 60 countries, offered a platform for L&T to highlight its extensive portfolio in solar, wind, and energy storage. As platinum sponsor, the company emphasized its commitment to supporting national visions for clean energy, including Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s sustainability targets.

L&T highlighted its major contributions across the GCC, including large-scale solar parks in Saudi Arabia and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. The company has delivered over 35 GWp of solar plants, 16 GWh of battery energy storage systems, and 444 MWp of floating solar facilities, demonstrating its global expertise in renewable energy.

T. Madhava Das, L&T’s whole-time director and senior executive vice president for utilities, said the company is committed to supporting the Gulf region’s ambitious energy transition. “Our integrated capabilities in renewable generation, power transmission, and digital solutions enable us to deliver ultra-mega projects that drive the region’s clean energy future,” he said.

L&T also showcased its extensive work in power transmission and distribution, having constructed more than 375 substations and over 6,500 circuit-kilometers of transmission lines across the GCC. These projects enhance grid stability and efficiency, ensuring seamless integration of renewable sources into national energy networks.

In addition to energy, L&T highlighted its sustainable water infrastructure initiatives. The company has executed more than 10 major projects worth over $1 billion across the UAE, Oman, and Qatar. Key projects include Dubai’s Jebel Ali Sewage Treatment Plant, the largest in the country with a capacity of 375 million liters per day, and Oman’s Ad Dakhiliyah water transmission project, featuring 173 km of pipelines, 15 reservoirs, and five pumping stations.

Visitors to L&T’s WETEX pavilion explored interactive displays, including the BIM ARENA, which showcased the company’s 3D modeling and project management capabilities. These tools highlight how digital innovation is shaping sustainable infrastructure planning and execution.

The exhibition underscored L&T’s position as a global partner for sustainable development. Its portfolio demonstrates the scalability of advanced renewable energy and water solutions for international markets, helping governments and enterprises meet energy and environmental goals while promoting economic growth.

L&T’s leadership at WETEX 2025 reflects its commitment to delivering solutions that combine engineering excellence with environmental responsibility. The company’s integrated approach supports the Gulf region’s long-term sustainability objectives and provides a model for other nations seeking to accelerate their energy transition.

The showcase also emphasized L&T’s ability to collaborate with governments and private enterprises, delivering projects that address both energy security and climate goals. By integrating solar, wind, battery storage, and advanced transmission technologies, L&T contributes to a more resilient and sustainable regional infrastructure.

With its global experience and track record of successful projects, L&T continues to set benchmarks in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. Its presence at WETEX 2025 highlighted how international engineering expertise can align with regional priorities to create transformative outcomes for energy and water sectors.

L&T’s achievements at the exhibition reinforce the company’s reputation as a reliable partner for large-scale renewable projects and underscore its ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and regional development.