Karachi, 12 December 2018 – Hutchison Ports Pakistan welcomed the China India Express, the country’s first ever 11,923TEUs container ship to call at its terminal. This is the first time a container vessel of this size has berthed in Pakistan.
The China India Express, operated by COSCO Shipping Lines Pakistan Ltd. has a capacity of 11,923TEUs, making it the largest ship to berth at any terminal in Pakistan.
The extension of China India Express to Pakistan is the start of a new era in our container sea trade,” said Captain Syed Rashid Jamil, General Manager and Head of Business Unit, Hutchison Ports Pakistan. “Our terminal’s location and state-of-the-art equipment enable us to efficiently handle vessels of this size in the quickest time possible. We are delighted to become the first ever terminal in Pakistan to welcome 11,923TEUs vessel. We would like to thank our partners COSCO, OOCL and CMA CGM, for helping us accomplish this historic milestone.”
Hutchison Ports Pakistan is the only container terminal in Pakistan with a depth alongside of 16.5 metres, able to accommodate large size megaships. The terminal is equipped with 8 remote controlled quay cranes and 29 rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTGCs) being operated by nGen, Hutchison Ports’ proven terminal control system. nGen controls operations with the highest level of efficiency including yard and quay operations.
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 51 ports spanning 26 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 centres, rail services and ship repair facilities.