Karachi: Port Qasim Authority (PQA) Chairman Rear Admiral (retired) Sued Hasan Nasir Shah stated that the authority has plans grand development plan for widening the navigational channel and deepening the port’s draft, according to news published on December 1.
As per the details, the chairman mentioned that improving the channel’s draft will allow deep draft vessels to visit Port Qasim. This will result in savings in foreign exchange on account of freight. The chairman, speaking on the launch of Maesrk’s flagship ‘Integrated Logistics Park’ in the PQA’s North Western Industrial Zone, stated that the proposed plan will deepen the draft by 1.5 metres to around 15 metres and widen the navigational channel to 250 metres.
The news source revealed that the PQA Chairman Shah has requested the federal cabinet to approve the plan. Once the work on the project will be started, it is expected to be completed within 18 months. The chairman disclosed that currently, only ships with 13 metres draft can enter. The stakeholders want to deepen the draft so larger ships can be called.
Moreover, the authority mentioned that stakeholders complained to go deeper, but back then, the authority didn’t have financial stability. The chairman highlighted that the authority can, now, arrange finances and has asked the partners to bring investment financing for the project.
Iqra holds BS in International Relations and is passionate about writing engaging content on trending real estate topics. When not working, she is either spending time with family, shopping, or discussing shows & movies.
