KARACHI

• PKKHI
• Latitude: 24.8271
• Longitude: 66.9845
• West Coast India
• Port in Pakistan

Location: 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.