Abu Dhabi Ports has increased the operational capacity of the Karachi terminals through a dredging agreement, as trade activity in the region experiences a new surge thanks to the agreement signed with the Dutch company “Van Oord.” This project will enhance the terminal’s ability to accommodate large container ships, significantly facilitating transportation operations and improving logistics services in Pakistan.
Strategic Dredging Agreement
Abu Dhabi Ports Group, through its joint venture “Karachi Gateway Terminal,” has signed a dredging agreement with “Van Oord,” a Dutch company specializing in dredging and marine works. This collaboration aims to boost trade activity across the group’s terminals in Pakistan, marking a strategic step to expand operations in one of the key markets.
Enhancing Depth and Capacity
The collaboration between “Nawatom Ports,” the operational arm of the group, and “Van Oord” will contribute to increasing the draft depth at the docks and waterways of “Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited.” This will enable the terminal to receive container ships measuring between 305 and 350 meters in length, with a draft depth ranging from 13 to 15.5 meters. Upon completion of the dredging works, the terminal’s container handling capacity is expected to rise from 750,000 TEUs to one million TEUs.
Increasing General Cargo Movement
Regarding “Karachi Multi-Purpose Terminal Limited,” the dredging project will help increase the capacity for handling general and bulk cargo. It will enable the terminal to accommodate large vessels with a carrying capacity of up to 120,000 tons, which is double the current capacity of 60,000 tons. These expansions will lead to reduced shipping costs and increased terminal capacity, positively impacting the supply chain in the region.
Promising Future Prospects
By the first quarter of 2026, dredging works at both “Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited” and “Karachi Multi-Purpose Terminal Limited” are expected to be completed. These projects are the result of a successful partnership between Abu Dhabi Ports Group and “Kahil Terminals,” based in Dubai. Abu Dhabi Ports entered the Pakistani market in 2023, signing long-term concession agreements to develop and operate marine terminals for container and general cargo handling, highlighting its deep commitment to enhancing trade links in Pakistan.
Abu Dhabi Ports has a clear vision to enhance its operational capabilities in international markets, particularly in Pakistan, where it is investing approximately 1.1 billion dirhams to improve and expand the country’s logistics infrastructure. These efforts are part of the group’s ambition to become a leader in providing integrated logistics services, helping to open new horizons for trade and economic growth.