Port Qasim: Pakistan’s Gateway to Global Trade

Port Qasim: Pakistan’s Gateway to Global Trade

A Bustling Hub of Activity

Port Qasim, known formally as Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, is a deep-water industrial port situated in the Indus delta region, on the trade route of the Arabian Sea. As Pakistan’s second busiest port, handling about 35% of the nation’s cargo, Port Qasim has become an essential part of the country’s infrastructure and economy. On any given day, multiple ships carrying a variety of cargo, from containers and palm oil to coal, dock at the port’s terminals and outer anchorage.

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Strategic Location and Impressive Capacity

Port Qasim’s strategic location, a mere 35 kilometers east of Karachi city center, puts it in close proximity to major shipping routes and provides direct waterfront access to major industrial areas. The port covers an impressive total area of 12,000 acres, divided into three main zones: North Western Industrial Zone, South Western Industrial Zone, and Eastern Industrial Zone. It boasts a cargo handling capacity of approximately 17 million tons per annum.

A Typical Day at Port Qasim

On a typical day at Port Qasim, several ships are engaged at the Port Qasim Authority (PQA) berths, while others arrive at the outer anchorage. The port efficiently handles substantial volumes of cargo, with ships continuously arriving and departing. Over a recent 24-hour period, for example, the port dealt with a total of 106,534 tonnes of cargo, including 77,328 tonnes of imports and 29,206 tonnes of exports. This cargo was transported in 2,674 containers, with 956 TEUs attributed to imports and 1,718 TEUs to exports.

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Future Projections

With several ships scheduled to dock in the coming days, Port Qasim’s busy schedule shows no signs of slowing down. The port is projected to handle even more import and export cargo in the future, further cementing its status as an essential hub of global trade. Notably, a container ship named MSC Tia-II is due to arrive at Port Qasim on Wednesday, another sign of the port’s ongoing activity.

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Conclusion

As a major gateway to global trade for Pakistan, Port Qasim plays a vital role in the country’s economy. With its strategic location, impressive capacity, and busy schedule, the port is well-equipped to handle significant volumes of cargo and facilitate international trade. The ongoing activity at Port Qasim is a testament to its importance and effectiveness, suggesting a bright future for this hub of global commerce.