KARACHI, April 26, 2024 – Port Qasim, one of Pakistan’s primary maritime gateways, witnessed active shipping operations as several vessels arrived and departed, handling substantial cargo volumes, according to the latest report issued by the Port Qasim Authority (PQA) for Friday.
The day started with the berthing of three significant vessels – the Seaspan Beacon, SSL Brahmaputra, and Haj Muhammad – at the Container Terminal and Multi-Purpose Terminal respectively. These ships were engaged in loading and offloading containers and cement, vital for sustaining the logistical needs of the country’s industrial sectors.
In addition, the LNG carrier named ‘Doha’ also made its way to the outer anchorage of Port Qasim, highlighting the port’s role in facilitating energy imports which are crucial for meeting the nation’s power generation needs.
The PQA highlighted in its daily shipping report that a total of nine ships were engaged at the berths over the last 24 hours, showcasing a bustling scene at the port facilities. Among these, six ships including SSL Brahmaputra, Seaspan Beacon, Seacon Yokohama, Asia Liberty, Bateleur, and Hansa Oslo were expected to depart on the same day, making room for new arrivals and maintaining the flow of maritime traffic.
The cargo throughput for the last 24 hours stood at an impressive 115,266 tonnes, with import cargo making up 87,961 tonnes and export cargo at 27,305 tonnes. These operations involved the handling of 3,291 containers, which included 2,188 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) for imports and 1,103 TEUs for exports, reflecting a significant volume of trade processed through the port.
At the outer anchorage of Port Qasim, three additional ships were reported, including the Lila Ace and the already mentioned Doha. These vessels, carrying chemicals and liquefied natural gas respectively, were expected to berth at the EVTL (Engro Vopak Terminal Limited) and EETL (Engro Elengy Terminal Limited) later the same day. This movement underscores Port Qasim’s pivotal role in handling diverse types of cargoes that support various sectors of the economy.
Furthermore, the report anticipates the arrival of two more container ships, CMA CGM Nabuco and Apollon-D, scheduled for the following day, Saturday. This consistent influx and dispatch of vessels illustrate the dynamic nature of operations at Port Qasim and its critical contribution to both the local and national economy.
Port Qasim’s strategic importance is not only in facilitating trade but also in bolstering Pakistan’s economic framework by enabling efficient import-export activities. The port continues to adapt to the increasing demands of maritime trade and logistics, ensuring that it remains a key player in the region’s economic landscape.
As shipping activities proceed at a brisk pace, stakeholders including exporters, importers, and logistic companies rely heavily on the timely and efficient services provided by Port Qasim, reinforcing its status as a vital component of Pakistan’s trade infrastructure.
