Abu dhabi Ports Group to Dramatically Expand Karachi port Capacity with Major Infrastructure Investments
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Karachi, Pakistan - Abu Dhabi Ports Group is making a ample investment in Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure, signaling a strong commitment to bolstering trade and logistics capabilities in the region. Through its joint venture,karachi Gate Station,the group has signed a pivotal drainage agreement with Dutch marine construction specialists,Van Oord,to enhance operations at its Pakistani stations.
Deepening Channels for Larger Vessels
This collaboration will focus on deepening the navigable channels and berths at Karachi Gate station Ltd., allowing the port to accommodate significantly larger container ships. Specifically, the project aims to enable the reception of vessels between 305 and 350 meters in length, with a draft of 13 to 15.5 meters. Upon completion of the expansion, container handling capacity is projected to increase from 750,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) to a robust 1 million TEUs.
Boosting General Cargo handling Capabilities
The improvements aren’t limited to container traffic. The Karachi Multi-purpose Gate Station is also undergoing notable upgrades designed to increase its capacity to handle general and bulk cargo. These enhancements will allow the station to accommodate ships with a capacity of up to 120,000 tons – double its current 60,000-ton limit. This increased capacity is expected to drive down shipping costs and improve overall efficiency.
Project Timeline and Partnerships
Earthmoving and dredging work at both Karachi Gate Station Ltd. and Karachi Multi-purpose Gate Station Ltd. are slated for completion by the first quarter of 2026. These projects are a joint effort between Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Dubai-based Kahil Terminal.
Strategic Investment in a key Market
Abu dhabi Ports first entered the Pakistani market in 2023, securing long-term concessions to develop and operate key naval berths at Karachi Port. Pakistan represents a strategically important market for the group, with a current investment totaling approximately 1.1 billion dirhams. This latest infrastructure investment underscores Abu Dhabi Ports’ confidence in Pakistan’s economic potential and its commitment to facilitating regional trade growth.
The upgrades promise to position Karachi Port as a more competitive regional hub, attracting increased investment and fostering economic progress in Pakistan.