Dredging work begins at Karachi Port to boost maritime infrastructure

ISLAMABAD: Maritime Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Wednesday that dredging of the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) main channel by Karachi Gateway Terminal (Private) Ltd (KGTL) has commenced, describing it as a major upgrade to Pakistan's maritime infrastructure.

In a statement, the minister said the dredging work follows a formal agreement between KPT and KGTL aimed at enhancing navigational capacity and meeting rising international shipping demand.

KGTL is a new joint venture between AD Ports Group and Kaheel Terminals, established to manage, operate and develop container berths 6-10 at East Wharf, Karachi Port.

Project to accommodate larger vessels

The minister highlighted the significance of the project, stating that upon completion within three months, the upgraded channel will enable KPT to accommodate vessels up to 350 metres in length with a gross registered tonnage (GRT) of 100,000.

"This initiative underscores the government's commitment to modernising port facilities and bolstering Pakistan's role in regional and global trade. Upon completion within three months, the project will enable KPT to accommodate vessels up to 350 meters in length with a gross registered tonnage (GRT) of 100,000," the minister stated.

According to the minister, the enhanced capacity will boost port efficiency by enabling KPT to handle higher-capacity ships, a development seen as crucial for Pakistan's trade competitiveness.

Strategic importance for Pakistan's trade

The dredging initiative is part of broader efforts by the government to modernise port facilities across the country. By deepening the main channel at Karachi Port, authorities aim to ensure that the port can cater to the demands of modern international shipping, which increasingly relies on larger vessels for cargo transport.

The involvement of KGTL — a partnership between Abu Dhabi-based AD Ports Group and Kaheel Terminals — in the project signals growing international interest in Pakistan's port infrastructure. The joint venture's mandate to manage and develop container berths at East Wharf is expected to bring operational improvements and greater efficiency to one of the country's busiest ports.

The completion of the dredging work within the stipulated three-month timeline would represent a significant step in upgrading Karachi Port's capacity to handle the next generation of commercial shipping vessels, thereby strengthening Pakistan's position in regional and global maritime trade networks.