Business Recorder
KARACHI: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, attended a high-level meeting at Karachi Port to mark a significant milestone in the ongoing dredging project being undertaken by Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited and Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose Limited, part of Noatum Ports. The event was attended by the Khurram Aziz Khan, CEO of KGTL & KGTML, and Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed (Retd), Chairman Karachi Port Trust (KPT). During the visit briefings were presented on the progress of the dredging works, highlighting their importance in enhancing port capacity and supporting Pakistan’s growing trade and logistics sector. The dredging project, led by KGTL, involves deepening berths and navigational channels at Karachi Gateway Terminal. Upon completion, it will enable the accommodation of larger vessels, increasing vessel length capacity from 305 metres to 350 metres and draft from 13 metres to 15.5 metres. Officials informed that container handling capacity at KGTL will rise from 750,000 TEUs to 1 million TEUs annually, improving efficiency and supporting higher trade volumes. At KGTML, which handles general and bulk cargo, dredging works are set to double bulk vessel capacity from 60,000 tonnes to 120,000 tonnes, aimed at reducing freight costs and significantly increasing cargo throughput. Participants were also given an on-site review of the ongoing dredging operations. The project is expected to improve navigational depth, strengthen operational efficiency, and prepare Karachi Port to meet evolving international shipping demands. Addressing the gathering, the minister underscored the strategic importance of modernizing port infrastructure to strengthen Pakistan’s position in regional and global trade. He appreciated the efforts of KGTL, KGTML, and KPT in advancing key maritime initiatives. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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