KARACHI: Port Qasim, one of Pakistan’s key maritime gateways, experienced a flurry of activity on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, handling a diverse array of vessels and cargo, as reported by the Port Qasim Authority (PQA).
The day’s operations were marked by the arrival and departure of multiple ships carrying containers, liquefied natural gas (LNG), chemicals, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), reflecting the port’s critical role in facilitating international trade.
Three ships, namely Xpress Salween, Maersk Detroit, and Lokojo, anchored at the port’s specialized terminals on Tuesday. Xpress Salween and Maersk Detroit, carrying containers, berthed at the Container Terminal, while Lokojo, loaded with LNG, docked at the Gasport Terminal. This strategic handling ensured the smooth flow of both containerized and bulk liquid cargoes.
Additionally, on the morning of April 24, four more vessels — MSC Sindy, Mara Thapolis, Lila Ace, and Loxley — arrived at the outer anchorage. These ships were loaded with containers, chemicals, and LPG, respectively, showcasing the port’s capacity to manage a varied range of commodities.
During the last 24 hours, a total of seven ships were engaged at PQA berths. Notably, three vessels — X-Press Salween, MSC Rikku, and Navigator Vega — departed the port early in the day, while three others, including Maersk Detroit, Khairpur, and Marathapolis, were scheduled to sail later in the afternoon.
Port Qasim handled a substantial cargo volume totaling 162,939 tonnes within the last day, comprising 115,152 tonnes of import cargo and 47,787 tonnes of export cargo, spread across 4,717 containers. This included 2,006 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) of imports and 2,711 TEUs of exports, underlining the port’s significant role in boosting Pakistan’s trade metrics.
Currently, seven ships are stationed at the Outer Anchorage of Port Qasim. Among these, Hansa Oslo, Bateleur, Limra, Marathapolis, and MSC Sindy are loaded with gas oil, LPG, containers, fertilizer, and palm oil. These vessels are expected to take berths at various terminals including FOTCO Oil Terminal, Engro Vopak Terminal Ltd. (EVTL), Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) terminal, Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT), Fauji Akbar Portia Marine Terminal (FAP), and Liquid Cargo Terminal (LCT) later on the same day.
Moreover, the containership Sea-Span Beacon is also anticipated to arrive at Port Qasim on Thursday, further adding to the port’s busy schedule.
Port Qasim’s bustling operations on April 24 are a clear indicator of its pivotal role in Pakistan’s economic framework, efficiently facilitating the flow of essential goods. This dynamic port continues to enhance its capabilities and infrastructure to accommodate the growing demands of maritime trade and logistics, ensuring a steady throughput of cargo and maintaining its status as a critical node in the global shipping network.
The Port Qasim Authority remains committed to optimizing operational efficiencies and enhancing service quality, aiming to bolster Pakistan’s economic growth through improved maritime trade facilitation. With ongoing developments and strategic management, Port Qasim is set to keep pace with the evolving demands of international trade and commerce.
