KARACHI
- Latitude: 24.8271 •
- Longitude: 66.9845 •
- West Coast India •
- Port in Pakistan
Address: Karachi Sindh 74000 Pakistan
Phone number: +92-21-9921-4203
Web-site: http://kpt.gov.pk/
Karachi Port Overview
Location: Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Coordinates: Approximately 24.8° N latitude, 66.98° E longitude
Function: Karachi Port is the largest and busiest seaport in Pakistan, serving as the key maritime gateway for the country's trade and commerce. It handles a significant portion of Pakistan's imports and exports and is pivotal for the economic activities of the region.
Key Features and Specifications
Port Authority: Karachi Port Trust (KPT)
Type of Port: Natural deep-water seaport
Annual Cargo Throughput: Over 38 million tons (this figure can vary year by year)
Physical Infrastructure
- Docks/Piers: 30 berths including deep-water berths, specialized terminals, and multi-purpose berths.
- Terminals:
- Container Terminals: Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) and Pakistan International Container Terminal (PICT).
- Bulk Terminals: Dedicated facilities for handling liquid bulk, dry bulk, and general cargo.
- Draft Depth: Ranges from 11.5 meters to 15 meters, accommodating large container ships and bulk carriers.
- Total Area: Approximately 11 square kilometers.
Facilities
- Warehouse Space: Ample covered and open storage areas.
- Cargo Handling: Equipped with modern cargo handling equipment including container cranes, bulk cargo cranes, forklifts, and other machinery.
- Rail Connectivity: Direct railway lines connect the port to the national railway network.
- Road Connectivity: Well-developed road links providing access to the hinterland and major industrial and commercial centers.
Special Features
- Container Handling Capacity: Over 2 million TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) annually.
- Cool Chain Facilities: Available for perishable goods including cold storage.
- Tank Farms: Facilities for storage of liquid cargo such as petroleum, chemicals, and edible oils.
- Ship Repair Facilities: Dry docks and repair workshops catering to maintenance and repair needs.
Services
- Pilotage and Towage: Mandatory pilotage services, providing safe navigation within the port waters.
- Navigation Aids: Well-maintained navigational aids including lighthouses, buoys, and beacons.
- Marine Services: Tugboats, pilot boats, and firefighting equipment available.
- Bunkering Services: Available for supplying fuel to vessels.
- Customs and Immigration: Efficient customs clearance and immigration procedures to facilitate swift cargo and passenger handling.
- Security Services: Robust security measures including 24/7 surveillance and patrolling.
Economic and Environmental Initiatives
- Free Trade Zone: Facilities for free zone operations promoting trade and logistics.
- Green Port Initiatives: Emphasis on environmental sustainability with measures to reduce emissions and pollution.
Future Developments
- Expansion Plans: Ongoing projects to enhance capacity, improve infrastructure, and incorporate advanced technologies.
- Deep-water Port Project: Plans to extend port infrastructure to accommodate super post-Panamax vessels.
Challenges
- Congestion: Occasional congestion due to high traffic volume, necessitating continuous infrastructure upgrades.
- Environmental Concerns: Managing environmental impact due to port activities and industrial operations.
Conclusion
Karachi Port is a vital maritime hub in Pakistan's logistics and supply chain network. With its strategic location, comprehensive facilities, and ongoing expansion efforts, it continues to play a crucial role in the country's trade and economic development.