KPT Handles 101,000 Tonnes of Fertiliser and Wheat
Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has simultaneously handled two foreign bulk carriers carrying a combined 101,000 tonnes of diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser and wheat, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said on Sunday. The operation highlights Karachi Port’s role in facilitating essential imports that support Pakistan’s agricultural production and food security.
The vessels, MV ZHONG CHANG 538 and MV GOKOVA M, carried 50,000 tonnes of DAP fertiliser and 51,000 tonnes of wheat, respectively. Both were berthed at Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose Limited (KGTML), where cargo discharge operations were under way.
Cargo Discharge and Vessel Performance
According to KPT operational data, MV ZHONG CHANG 538 was berthed at Berth 10/11 with its 50,000-tonne DAP fertiliser consignment. Of the total cargo, 48,525 tonnes had been discharged, bringing unloading operations close to completion. The vessel recorded a discharge rate of 5,481 tonnes during the preceding 24 hours.
Meanwhile, MV GOKOVA M, carrying 51,000 tonnes of wheat, was berthed at Berth 16/17. More than 7,200 tonnes had been discharged, while unloading operations continued.
Chaudhry commended KPT engineers, port operators, pilots, the terminal operator, dockworkers and transporters for coordinating the handling of both vessels and maintaining cargo discharge operations. He said the timely handling of essential imports was important for supporting agricultural production and ensuring food security.
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Maritime Reforms and Port Efficiency
The minister said the simultaneous handling of the two bulk carriers reflected KPT’s operational capacity and its efforts to improve berth utilisation, cargo-handling efficiency and supply chain performance.
He added that the Ministry of Maritime Affairs was pursuing reforms to reduce vessel turnaround times, improve port management and strengthen maritime infrastructure. These measures are intended to facilitate international trade and ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities.
“Efficient port operations and streamlined logistics are essential for ensuring the timely movement of critical commodities and strengthening supply chains,” Chaudhry said.
KPT Prioritises Essential Imports
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 said the vessels had been given priority berthing on the government’s directives.
Ahmed reaffirmed KPT’s commitment to modernising port infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and expanding cargo-handling capacity to support trade and economic activity.
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The operation highlights the importance of efficient port management and maritime logistics in handling critical imports. Continued improvements in cargo-handling capacity and vessel turnaround times can help strengthen Pakistan’s import logistics and support the reliable movement of agricultural commodities.
