Port Qasim handles over 221,000 tonnes of cargo on July 17

Six vessels berth as Pakistan’s second-largest port records robust cargo and container handling

KARACHI: Port Qasim handled more than 221,000 tonnes of cargo during the past 24 hours, with six vessels carrying containers, palm oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal berthing at various terminals, according to the latest shipping activity report issued on Friday.

The vessels Bai Chay Bridge, APL Qingdao, Zeal Start, British Contributor, Feng De Hai and Akij Pearl berthed at the Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT), Liquid Cargo Terminal, Engro Elengy Terminal, Port Qasim Electric Power Terminal (PQEPT) and Bulk Cargo Terminal-4, supporting the continued movement of essential imports and exports.

Additional vessels arrive at anchorage

The port authority said two more vessels, ACE and Nave Cassiopeia, carrying palm oil and motor gasoline (Mogas), arrived at the outer anchorage during the reporting period.

A total of 12 vessels remained alongside Port Qasim’s berths over the last 24 hours.

Among them, APL Qingdao, Bai Chay Bridge and Chemroad Journey departed the port on Friday morning, while Bolan and Elijah are scheduled to sail later in the day.

Cargo handling exceeds 221,000 tonnes

According to the shipping report, Port Qasim handled 221,767 tonnes of cargo during the reporting period.

The total comprised:

Imports: 163,460 tonnes

Exports: 58,307 tonnes

Container operations also remained active, with the port handling 3,784 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

Of the total container throughput:

Import containers: 393 TEUs

Export containers: 3,391 TEUs

The higher export container volume reflects continued outbound trade through Pakistan’s second-largest seaport.

More vessels expected to berth

The report said 12 ships were waiting at the outer anchorage.

Among them, Chemroad Quest, Nave Cassiopeia, Norse Squel and the container vessel Safeen Power are expected to berth later on Friday.

The incoming vessels are carrying chemicals, motor gasoline (Mogas), coal and containerised cargo, and are scheduled to dock at EVTL, FOTCO, PIBT and QICT, respectively.

Strategic role in Pakistan’s trade

Port Qasim remains one of Pakistan’s most important maritime gateways, playing a critical role in facilitating containerised trade, energy imports and bulk cargo movements that support the country’s industrial and commercial sectors.

With regular arrivals of container ships, LNG carriers, oil tankers and bulk cargo vessels, the port continues to strengthen Pakistan’s supply chain and international trade connectivity while supporting the growing demand for energy and industrial raw materials.