ISLAMABAD: Karachi Port handled 74,603 metric tons of cargo over the past 24 hours, while 19 vessels were lined up for arrival, signaling strong operational momentum as Pakistan’s ports absorb shifting regional trade flows amid disruptions linked to the Iran war.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) remains central to Pakistan’s trade and energy supply chain, with 14 vessels berthed and seven ships departing during the latest reporting period, according to a statement issued by the Press Information Department.
Containerized cargo accounted for the largest share of activity at 45,171 metric tons, including 19,303 metric tons of imports and 25,868 metric tons of exports, followed by 11,944 metric tons of bulk cargo, 6,114 metric tons of clinker exports, and 10,352 metric tons of liquid cargo, the minister said.
“Consistent vessel movements and efficient cargo handling reflect KPT’s reliability in supporting Pakistan’s maritime trade and energy supply chains,” Chaudhry said, highlighting the port’s growing role in sustaining economic activity during a period of regional shipping uncertainty.
The update comes as maritime traffic across the region remains under pressure from disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, where the Iran war has reshaped shipping routes, increased freight costs and heightened risks to global energy flows. Pakistan’s ports have increasingly emerged as key logistics gateways for regional trade continuity.
The minister said expected arrivals include major container vessels such as OOCL Nagoya, APL Yangshan, MSC Taylor, Brooklyn Bridge, Ever Urban, and GFS Jade, alongside general cargo carriers transporting industrial goods and commodities.
Liquid cargo remains a key part of port operations, with tankers including M.T. Shalimar, Songa Neptune, M.T. Khairpur, and M.T. Sargodha among the incoming vessels, reflecting Karachi Port’s critical role in supporting Pakistan’s energy imports.
The strong vessel movement comes days after Karachi Port recorded a historic milestone with the successful berthing of its first fully trans-shipment general cargo vessel, reinforcing Islamabad’s broader strategy to strengthen maritime infrastructure and position Pakistan as a regional trade and logistics hub.
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