New port: Cargo handling to rise by 3mn containers

[Neo]

New port: Cargo handling to rise by 3mn containers

Wednesday, 31 Mar, 2010

KARACHI: Minister of Ports and Shipping Senator Babar Khan Ghauri on Tuesday said after the completion of the deep-water container port the total handling capacity of containerised cargo will increase to five million Teus from the existing two million boxes per annum.

The minister hoped that the new port will become a regional hub for trade and trans-shipment cargo as it is strategically located at Keamari Groyen on the eastern side of the existing harbour.

He further said that Pakistan was blessed with a long coast of warm waters and presently, is having three ports, which gives a strategic advantage in accessing Central Asia and south-western China through an economical connection of South Asia, Central Asia and beyond.

Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony of the marine protection works and construction of quay wall for the deep-water container port the minister lauded Chinese assistance and contribution towards developing several mega projects in the country.

Mr Ghauri sought Chinese assistance in developing expertise in Pakistan in the field of dredging, hydrography and port development works because Chinese companies have earned reputation on executing many such projects at home and abroad.

He asked the visiting Chinese Vice-Minister of Transport Xu Zuyuan to help Pakistan in port development techniques because already several mega projects like Gwadar Port, construction of oil piers at Karachi Port were carried out by the Chinese companies.

The construction of marine protection works and construction of quay wall for the deep water port has been awarded by the ministry of ports and shipping to China Harbour Engineering.

Speaking on the occasion Chinese Minister for Transport Xu Zuyuan said that China was keen to see Pakistan develop at a faster pace and many Chinese companies have taken up mega projects, which a symbol of friendship between the two countries.

He said Chinese companies have a long success stories in Pakistan and they undertook such projects like Gwadar Port, Chashma Nuclear Power project, terminals at Port Qasim and oil piers at KPT.

Xu Zuyuan said that Karakoram Highway is a milestone in people-to-people contact of the two countries and is a symbol of friendship and commitment from China.

Chairperson KPT Ms Nasreen Haque in her welcome address emphasised the importance of the deep-water container port. She said that the total project cost is $1.6 billion and it will be completed in phases, including marine protection work, quay wall construction, dredging and reclamation works and navigational aids work.

The chairperson further said that dredging and reclamation work is already underway by M/S China Water & Electric and today the KPT is entering in second phase to start the construction of marine protection and quay wall works, which, too, has been awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company.

Giving some details she said that marine protection works, includes the construction of three breakwaters and a sand dyke. She said that the design and standard of breakwaters are for 50 years. It is estimated to cost $250 million and will attain completion in 30 months, she added.

Present on the occasion were Secretary Ports and Shipping Saleem Khan, Chairman Port Qasim Admiral (retd) Asad Qureshi and former director general Ports and Shipping Capt Anwar Shah.

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/...ners-130-za-02