Port of Karachi

Overview

• Handles ~60% of Pakistan's cargo (~25 Mt/yr)
• Max draft 13 m (all tides); 16.5 m at Kiamari Groyne
• KICT, PICT, SAPT, KGTL container terminals
• Afghan transit trade gateway
• Karachi Shipyard and drydock facilities

Port Identity & Location

Province

Sindh

City

Karachi

VTS & Communications

VTS

Available

Reporting

ETA required; first port of entry

Pilotage

Pilotage

Compulsory

Anchorages

Anchorage Depth

~9.4–16 m

Channel Depths & Approach

Channel

~11–11.5 km approach; dredged to 13.5 m (12 m all tides); Kiamari Groyne to 16.5 m

Max DWT

75,000; alongside 11.3–13 m

Hazards

SW monsoon strong winds; cyclone ~1 in 3–4 yrs

Berths & Terminals

Wharves

East (17 berths), West (13), South (4); 30 dry + 3 liquid

Terminals

KICT, PICT, SAPT, KGTL (AD Ports — 800 m quay; 50-yr concession)

Documentation & Customs

Customs

Pakistan Customs; Afghan transit trade

Weather & Tidal

Tidal

Mean ~2 ft; SW monsoon Jun–Sep

Cyclone Risk

Periodic (Arabian Sea)

Security & Hazards (ISPS)

ISPS

Compliant

Hazards

Monsoon winds, congestion