Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has simultaneously handled two foreign bulk carriers carrying a combined 101,000 tonnes of diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser and wheat, strengthening the country’s efforts to ensure the timely availability of essential agricultural and food commodities.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry commended KPT engineers, port operators, pilots, terminal operators, dockworkers and transporters for efficiently managing the two vessels while maintaining cargo discharge operations.
The two vessels, MV ZHONG CHANG 538 and MV GOKOVA M, carrying 50,000 tonnes of DAP fertiliser and 51,000 tonnes of wheat, respectively, were berthed at Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose (KGTML).
According to KPT operational data, MV ZHONG CHANG 538 was berthed at Berth 10/11, where 48,525 tonnes of its 50,000-tonne DAP consignment had been discharged. The vessel recorded a discharge rate of 5,481 tonnes during the preceding 24 hours, with unloading operations nearing completion.
Meanwhile, MV GOKOVA M, carrying 51,000 tonnes of wheat, was berthed at Berth 16/17. More than 7,200 tonnes had been discharged, with cargo operations continuing.
Junaid Chaudhry said the simultaneous handling of the two vessels demonstrated KPT’s operational capabilities and its efforts to improve berth utilisation, cargo-handling efficiency and supply chain performance. He emphasised that the timely handling of essential imports was crucial to supporting agricultural production and ensuring food security.
He added that the Ministry of Maritime Affairs was pursuing reforms aimed at reducing vessel turnaround times, improving port management and strengthening maritime infrastructure to facilitate international trade and ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities.
KPT Chairman Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed said Karachi Port played a vital role in Pakistan’s trade and supply chain network, particularly in facilitating imports of agricultural inputs and essential food commodities. He noted that the two vessels had been accorded priority berthing in accordance with government directives.
He reiterated KPT’s commitment to modernising port infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency and expanding cargo-handling capacity to support the country’s trade and economic growth.