Hutchison Ports Pakistan has announced a US$76 million investment programme to modernise and upgrade its deep-water container terminal at Karachi Port during 2026 and 2027. The programme will introduce electric and remote-controlled cargo-handling equipment, with the aim of improving productivity, operational efficiency and sustainability.
The investment will include two electric remote-controlled quay cranes, 17 electric remote-controlled rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGCs), 70 electric trucks and 50 trailers. The terminal has already received an initial batch of 20 electric trucks, 10 trailers, a reach stacker and an empty handler in 2026.
Equipment rollout
The upgrade will be implemented in phases. The first new equipment is already being introduced, with additional machinery scheduled through May 2028.
According to the implementation roadmap, 10 electric trailers are due to arrive in August 2026, followed by 20 electric trucks in October. In July 2027, the terminal is expected to receive two remote-controlled quay cranes and six remote-controlled RTGCs, alongside 50 electric trucks and 40 electric trailers by mid-year. A further 11 remote-controlled RTGCs are planned for May 2028.
The transition to electric and remotely operated equipment is intended to accelerate cargo handling while reducing emissions from terminal operations. Hutchison Ports said the fleet electrification supports its global sustainability objectives and contributes to the decarbonisation of Pakistan’s supply chain.
Supporting Pakistan’s transshipment ambitions
The investment forms part of a wider modernisation programme at Karachi Port, which includes digitalisation, upgraded equipment, more efficient navigation, selective use of artificial intelligence and workforce development.
Hutchison Ports Pakistan CEO CS Kim said the company is working with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Karachi Port Trust and the government to support efforts to establish Pakistan as a major regional transshipment hub. The company expects its cumulative investment in Pakistan to exceed US$690 million by the end of 2026.
As part of the broader upgrade programme, Hutchison Ports Pakistan has also submitted a proposal to secure additional land for a Centralised Examination Area. The facility is intended to streamline cargo examination and clearance and support the development of a higher-capacity logistics hub at Karachi Port.
The US$76 million equipment programme comes separately from a much larger proposed expansion of Hutchison’s Karachi operations, which includes additional berthing and yard capacity and a logistics park. That wider investment plan has faced contractual and procurement-related hurdles.