Karachi, April 30, 2024 – The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) has reported a significant surge in shipping activities, marking a bustling day of maritime trade on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
The increase in both arrivals and departures underscores the port’s strategic importance and its efficient management of diverse cargo operations.
Shipping Movements and Activities: Three major ships — MSC Antigua, Majestic Noor, and Advantage Paradise — successfully berthed at their respective terminals on Monday. MSC Antigua, a container ship, docked at the Container Terminal, while Majestic Noor, carrying rice, berthed at the Grain Terminal. Advantage Paradise, tasked with offloading gas oil, was handled at the Liquid Terminal.
The maritime traffic did not stop there, as three additional vessels, MSC Anchorage, Akij Moon, and Lila Confidence, arrived at the outer anchorage. These ships are scheduled to manage containers, cement, and chemicals respectively, highlighting the variety of commodities processed through the bustling port.
Over the last 24 hours, a total of eight ships were actively engaged in operations at PQA’s berths. Notable departures included Milaha Qatar, Bitumen Kosei, and MSC Antigua, which sailed out early Tuesday morning. Additionally, Golde Trader is scheduled to depart later in the afternoon, further indicating a day full of dynamic maritime activity.
Cargo Handling Volumes: Port Qasim managed a substantial cargo volume totaling 79,975 tonnes over the past day. This figure comprised 62,366 tonnes of imported goods and 17,609 tonnes designated for export. In terms of containerized cargo, the port handled 1,466 containers, translating to 636 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of imports and 830 TEUs of exports. This efficient handling of diverse cargo types underscores PQA’s capability to accommodate a wide range of maritime logistics needs.
Future Arrivals and Berth Scheduling: Looking ahead, the port’s schedule remains tight with several ships positioned at the Outer Anchorage. Lila Confidence, FSM, and MSC Anchorage are poised for berthing at various terminals such as MW-1, EVTL, QICT, and PIBT today. They carry essential cargoes including chemicals, LPG, containers, and coal.
Moreover, the port anticipates the arrival of three more vessels on Wednesday: Maersk Cairo, Xpress Kaveri, and Lusail. These ships will further diversify the types of cargo processed, with containers and LNG among the expected shipments.
Economic Impact and Strategic Importance: The robust shipping activity at Port Qasim is a positive indicator of its pivotal role in supporting Pakistan’s economic infrastructure. The port serves as a critical hub for international trade, facilitating the efficient flow of goods in and out of the country. The diverse nature of the cargo handled, ranging from bulk commodities like coal and cement to specialized items like chemicals and LNG, highlights the port’s versatility and its critical role in the global supply chain.
As Port Qasim continues to manage and adapt to the complex demands of maritime trade, its contributions to Pakistan’s economic stability and growth remain invaluable. The ongoing developments and operations at PQA not only reinforce its position as a key player in the maritime industry but also enhance its capability to support the country’s burgeoning trade requirements in the future.
