Pakistan: Prime Minister Inaugurates Three Berths at KPT

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani inaugurated Karachi Port Trust’s three berths on Friday. The berths have been reconstructed by a Korean contractor Ssang Yong.

The first phase started in 2008, in which the reconstruction of berths 10 to 14 of 16 metre depth was undertaken at a cost of Rs5.5 billion.

Gilani highlighted the pivotal role of shipping in Pakistan’s economy and said that globalisation demands keeping abreast with modern standards in all spheres of production and transportation of goods.

He said that transportation industry faces great challenges from various directions.

He complimented the KPT on induction of state-of-the-art powerful tugs acquired from Turkey.

He also appreciated KPT for the induction of two pusher tugs and a dredge tender being built by the Karachi Shipyard.

Secretary Ports and Shipping Saleem Khan said that during the tenure of the present government, the third phase of KICT’s expansion was completed. Other works carried out included construction of cement silos, dredging and reclamation and marine protection.

Khan said Pakistan National Shipping Corporation​ (PNSC) acquired seven vessels worth Rs275 million in last three years.

Port Qasim Authority (PQA) is also working on several expansion plans, he said.

Chairperson KPT Nasreen Haque said that a number of operational and facility improvements are being made to meet the challenges.

She also said that berths 10 and 14 will be ready by April 2012 followed by five more berths for which the contract would soon be awarded.

These developments would help achieve reduction in average service time for cargo vessels, reduce waiting time and improve levels of service.

This would enable one half of the savings in vessel service time to be passed on to the economy and the other half to the ship owners, she claimed.

The chairperson said that another achievement of KPT was to acquire ability to handle vessels of 12.5 metres draft with a length of 305 metres. First such vessel is due to dock on October 30, she said.

The Prime Minister announced special waiver of demurrages at KPT on shipments of aid for flood victims.

To participate in the rehabilitation efforts, KPT officers and employees donated over Rs10 million to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.

(The News)