11th March 2020 – Hutchison Ports Pakistan, the country’s leading container terminal operator, has been acknowledged as the ‘Port/Container Terminal of the Year – South Asia 2020’ Award. The ceremony was held in Dubai as part of the Global Port Forum Award 2020. The platform aims to recognize some of the most notable contributions across various sectors of the ports and shipping industry made by organisations around the world.
H.E. Mr. Muhammad Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Economics and Trade of UAE, presented the award to Eric NG, Business Director – Middle East and Africa, Hutchison Ports. Senior professionals from the ports, trade and other relevant industries across the globe attended the event.
The Global Ports Forum is an organization that collaborates with port authorities across the globe to bring various stakeholders together with a vision to create robust shipping practices and streamline international trade. Hutchison Ports Pakistan has had the honor of receiving this award for the first time through its demonstration of continuous innovation and introduction of efficient cargo-handling mechanisms at the South Asia Ports Terminal, Karachi.
Commenting on the development, Capt. Syed Rashid Jamil, General Manager & Head of Business Unit, Hutchison Ports Pakistan, highlighted that the organization is committed to revolutionizing the way trade is handled at Pakistan’s shipping terminals. “Karachi is an important shipping port connecting many landlocked states with the world through sea. Streamlining operations at this terminal is imperative because it makes up a significant chunk of the contribution to global transit of goods. This accolade is an acknowledgment of the innovative steps being undertaken by Hutchison Ports Pakistan including the introduction of state-of-the-art machinery, tools and techniques to create a hassle-free supply chain.”
Hutchison Ports Pakistan recently became the first terminal in the country to acquire electrical remote-controlled semi-automatic rubber-tyred gantry cranes to facilitate loading and unloading of cargo at its phase 2 extension. The company has made some significant contributions to increase efficiency at the trading ports in Karachi.
Hutchison Ports Pakistan is situated at the estuary of the Keamari Groyne basin, providing the most convenient access to ships entering Karachi. The new facility is the closest Pakistan port to the shipping lanes in the Arabian Sea. Its prime location offers the shortest steaming time from the Fairway Buoy, and will bring real benefits to customers, relating to time, cost, reduction in risk of delays, and reduced carbon emissions.
Hutchison Ports Pakistan is a member of Hutchison Ports, the port and related services division of CK Hutchison Holdings Limited (CK Hutchison). Hutchison Ports is the world’s leading port investor, developer and operator with a network of port operations in 52 ports spanning 27 countries throughout Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Americas and Australasia. Over the years, Hutchison Ports has expanded into other logistics and transportation-related businesses, including cruise ship terminals, airport operations, distribution centers, rail services and ship repair facilities.