Karachi port trust: Permissible draft increased to 13 metres

KARACHI: Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has announced an increase in permissible draft to 13 meters at berths number 11 and 12. The move will allow very large vessels to dock and unload cargo at these berths. Karachi Port is the repository of more than 60% of the entire maritime trade of Pakistan, and the decision is part of efforts to further improve its capabilities. At present, the throughput of cargo at the port stands at 41 million tons. It is expected to rise to 100 million tons in the years to come, thereby, KPT  says the increase in deep draft capacity is absolutely essential. Soon after taking charge, new Chairman Javed Hanif has initiated round-the-clock dredging of the berths to increase draft capacity.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th, 2012.