Minister for Ports and Shipping Senator Kamran Michael visits Karachi Port Trust

Karachi, June 14, 2013 (PPI-OT): Senator Kamran Michael, Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping, visited Karachi Port Trust on Friday, 14th June 2013. Accompanied by Chairman, KPT and other high functionaries of the port the Federal Minister was given a detailed tour of the maritime installations of KPT along with all the ongoing development projects KPT is undertaking.

The Minister was taken round all operational berths of KPT including all the three oil piers. During the course of his inspection lasting three hours he also viewed the newly laid out breakwaters that will streamline the channels of Karachi Port. He witnessed the deepened length of the approach channel and positively commented upon the desirability of deeper access for berthing large post-panamax carriers.

He inspected the under construction Pakistan Deep Water Container Port and instructed KPT to adhere to the time frame given for its completion. He emphasized the importance of PDWCP for the benefit of maritime trade of Pakistan and declared that this project will be very fruitful for Pakistan.

The advantages of PDWCP will result in increasing the trade handling capacity of sea trade of Pakistan and will bring in additional revenue. He also said that PDWCP will bring in much needed employment opportunities for the young workforce of Pakistan.

During the appraisal accorded to him of current state of operations of Karachi Port the Minister raised very pertinent queries and inquired in depth about various facets of the operational practices. Although he expressed satisfaction about the efforts KPT was engaged in but he instructed the officers and functionaries to maximize their efforts in order to expeditiously complete the development projects.

He mentioned that he was not very satisfied by certain areas of port operations particularly the slow handling of goods and lack of clean working environment at the port and impressed upon the employees to pay more attention to such matters.

He said that he will keep a close eye on port matters and will effectively deal with lapses that he will observe in future. He also laid stress on the need to strategize the priorities of the Port so that they are effectively aligned with international maritime requirement. He impressed upon the fact that Karachi Port being the largest recipient of Pakistan’s national maritime trade is expected to perform the tasks assigned to it with diligence and devotion.

He listened to the issues raised by port workforce and issued on the spot orders for solving them. He also promised to look into the long term problems of the work force and assured their representatives that he will try utmost to find solution to them. He said that he will regularly visit Karachi Port and personally monitor all its activities. He further instructed the management to closely apprise him of all port activities so that he regularly issues appropriate instructions.

For more information, Contact:
Karachi Port Trust
Eduljee Dinshaw Road
Karachi-74000
Pakistan.
Chairman
Email: Chairman@kpt.gov.pk
Tel: 99214315
Tel Board: 99214530-9

Karachi Port Trust provides safe haven to Weather beaten detained ships

Karachi, May 31, 2013 (PPI-OT): The rental power ships KARKEY KAYABAY, initially stationed at the outer anchorage of Port Qasim under NAB caution, and NEW HORIZON, stationed outside the outer anchorage area of Karachi Port due to court cases, were provided safe berthing within the port area of KPT.

The vessel NEW HORIZON having 20 crew members had no fuel, food and water faced the onslaught of rough seas was given complete assistance by the KPT management on the request of Vietnam Consulate office who stated to KPT the conditions faced by the vessel in the wake of rough sea and their uncertain stay due to the cases they are presently facing in Pakistan.

The ship was rescued by injecting fuel in extremely unfavourable conditions. A similar assistance was provided to the KARKEY KAYABAY on their request. KPT had mobilized all its resources to provide a respite to the crew against difficult sea conditions and berthed them inside the port against scheduled charges. Other weather scared visitors are the Ocean tugs hired by M/s BYCO who have to wait for their operations off Gaddani till arrival an oil tanker.

Karachi Port being the natural and premier seaport of the nation is surely a safe heaven for vessels under all weather conditions and especially during the rough monsoon season which has just started.

Karachi Port is among the very few natural ports of the world which provide shelter even during the roughest season that the vessels face while in the open seas. The port has always remain vigilant in providing facilities to shipping lines and trade communities which has translated well into results the port has nurtured over the years.

For more information, Contact:
Karachi Port Trust
Eduljee Dinshaw Road
Karachi-74000
Pakistan.
Chairman
Email: Chairman@kpt.gov.pk
Tel: 99214315
Tel Board: 99214530-9

Chairman Karachi Port Trust resolves dispute between shipping companies and transporters

Karachi, February 05, 2013 (PPI-OT): Karachi: In pursuance to the emerging dispute between shipping companies and the transporters, a meeting was called by the Chairman KPT Mr. Jawed Hanif Khan at KPT Head Office which was attended by Pakistan Ship Agent Association members and transporters, apart from the operations team of Karachi Port Trust.

The purpose of the meeting was to resolve the dispute and the efforts of KPT led by Chairman KPT Mr. Jawed Hanif Khan paved way for it after long meeting which started during the late hours on 4th February 2013 and ended after 12 am.

It was decided among the participants of the meeting that from 6th February 2013 Pakistan Ship Agent Association members will start collection of empty LO/LO charges at their offices and no cash transaction will be carried over by transporters at the terminals. With regards to the export empty LO/LO charges, it was discussed and demanded that LO/LO charges will be taken by the shipping companies at the time of issuance of Bill of Lading.

The shipping agent representatives were of the opinion that they require proper authorization from their members and for this matter they opined with confidence that the matter can be resolved. Moreover, it was decided that the understanding reached here will be applicable on fresh import / export containers from 6th February 2013.

The participants of the meeting chaired by Chairman KPT Mr. Jawed Hanif Khan were Vice President Mr. Shakil Ahmed and Mr. Zubair Tufail from FPCCI, President Mr. Haroon Aman and Mr. Younus Soomro from KCCI, Chairman TGA Haji Anwar Soomro attended along with his team comprising Mr. Madad Khan, Mr. Muhammad Hussain and Mr. Akber Khan, President Mr. Khalid Khan, Senior Vice President Malak Sher Khan and General Secretary Mr. Shoailb Khan from KGCA, President Mr. Saifullah Khan and Ex General Secretary Mr. Wasiq Hussain Khan from KCAA, Chairperson PSAA Ms. AVA A. Cowasjee along with her team members Mr. Bilal ur Rehman and Mr. Asim Saeed Khan from PSAA and ADC Customs besides KPT Operations Team headed by General Manager Operations Rear Adm (R) Azhar Hayat, Deputy General Manager Operations Mr. Shamim Ahmed Shirazi and Traffic Manager Mr. Niaz Ali Jessar.

For more information, Contact:
Karachi Port Trust
Eduljee Dinshaw Road
Karachi-74000
Pakistan.
Chairman
Email: Chairman@kpt.gov.pk
Tel: 99214315
Tel Board: 99214530-9

Karachi Port Trust to receive ship MV Mandarin River

Karachi, November 02, 2012 (PPI-OT): Karachi Port Trust is ready to receive the first ship, MV Mandarin River, with a draft of 13 meters on its newly reconstructed berth No. 11. The event marks yet another milestone in its progression to augment and support the national trade.

MV Mandarin River with a length of 190 meters and breadth of 32 meters, carrying 55,858 metric tons of coal will arrive at Karachi Port tomorrow morning. The ship having GRT 33044 carries the Singaporean flag.

KPT is gradually rebuilding its old infrastructure. Berths 11 to 14 have already been reconstructed and are under operation which the Prime Minister had inaugurated last year. Later, the basin was also dredged to accommodate vessels drawing 13 meters depth. All the resources have been mobilized to make the entire channel capable of receiving ships of 13 meters draft. A similar dredging of berths will be undertaken after their reconstruction.

This adds up to be a gift for the port celebrating its 125 years of existence and marks a golden era of success, service and support to the national economy. The momentum of giant leap continues at KPT under the visionary and dynamic leadership of Minister of Ports and Shipping Senator Babar Khan Ghauri and Chairman KPT Mr. Jawed Hanif Khan to achieve its milestones with style and precision.

For more information, Contact:
Karachi Port Trust
Eduljee Dinshaw Road
Karachi-74000
Pakistan.
Chairman
Email: Chairman@kpt.gov.pk
Tel: 99214315
Tel Board: 99214530-9

Consul General calls on Minister for Ports and Shipping Minister

Karachi, September 15, 2012 (PPI-OT): The US Consul General Mr. Michael Dodman called on the Minister for Ports and Shipping Senator Babar Khan Ghauri in Ministry’s camp office Karachi. He paid his condolence to the Minister Babr Khan Ghauri on the Baldia Town factory catastrophe which brought death to scores of people who were working there to earn their livelihood. While sharing his views with the Senator Babar Ghauri, he said that Karachi has great potential of investment and especially the shipping and ports sector where many US companies are interested to invest.

He further informed the Minister that through US Aid funds are available for investment and partnerships in potential and key areas. The Consul General showed his immense pleasure upon knowing lucrative areas within the ports and shipping sector and opined economic prosperity for Pakistan.

For more information, Contact:
Karachi Port Trust
Eduljee Dinshaw Road
Karachi-74000
Pakistan.
Chairman
Email: Chairman@kpt.gov.pk
Tel: 99214315
Tel Board: 99214530-9

Karachi Port Trust handles 13 Meters Draft Vessels

Karachi, September 11, 2012 (PPI-OT): Karachi Port Trust is pleased to announce the increase in permissible draft to 13 meters at berths number 11 and 12 that will enable very large vessels to berth and their cargoes duly handled.

Karachi Port is the repository of more than 60 percent of the entire maritime trade of Pakistan and efforts are afoot to further improve its capabilities.

At present the throughput of cargo stands at 41 million tones and since it is expected to rise to 100 million tons in the years to come therefore corresponding increase in deep draft capacity is absolutely essential.

Soon after taking over charge the new Chairman Mr. Javed Hanif initiated round the clock dredging of the berths to increase the draft capacity for larger vessels to dock up to 13 meters.

Keeping in view the prevalent trend of large vessels operating in this field the increase in draft at Karachi Port will surely increase the maritime traffic. KPT is positive that the increased drafting capacity will bring in considerable economic benefits not only to the port but also to the country.

It would attract the shipping lines to do more business with Karachi Port due to it becoming more cost effective. It is expected that revenue generation of KPT will be effectively enhanced owing to the newly deepened berths and will prove welcome addition to the national exchequer.

Under the instructions of Minister Ports and Shipping, Senator Babar Khan Ghauri, KPT is in the process of similarly increasing draft of rest of the berths operating under its management and will soon be able to successfully complete this task.

For more information, Contact:
Karachi Port Trust
Eduljee Dinshaw Road
Karachi-74000
Pakistan.
Chairman
Email: Chairman@kpt.gov.pk
Tel: 99214315
Tel Board: 99214530-9

Jawed Hanif Khan takes charge as Chairman Karachi Port Trust

Karachi, July 30, 2012 (PPI-OT): Mr. Jawed Hanif Khan, a seasoned officer with an experience of 26 lustrous years at his back and belonging from the DMG has taken charge of Chairman KPT today at KPT Head Office Building during a short handing over taking over ceremony from Muhammad Aslam Hayat, the out going Chairman KPT. He started his career 26 years back in 1986 and has brought along with him educational credentials of B. E. Civil from NED University, M. A. Economics from Karachi University and LLB from the same university.

Before joining KPT, he was the Director General Planning and Development in Port Qasim Authority. He has also worked in the capacities of DCO Karachi, Deputy Commissioner Karachi Central, Deputy Commissioner Sukkur and Deputy Commissioner Badin during his radiant career.

The Chairman, Mr. Jawed Hanif, augurs to speed up the ongoing mega development works of the port to transform it into a user friendly port.

For more information, Contact:
Karachi Port Trust
Eduljee Dinshaw Road
Karachi-74000
Pakistan.
Chairman
Email: Chairman@kpt.gov.pk
Tel: 99214315
Tel Board: 99214530-9