PSA Gwadar begins commercial operations

Karachi: The 40,000-GRT Pos Glory becaome the first commercial cargo vessel to call at PSA Gwadar International Terminals in Pakistan earlier this month, launching operations at the port's deep-water berths. The vessel, which is the biggest bulk vessel to berth alongside a Pakistani port to-date, was carrying 64,000 metric tons of wheat and departed on March 24 after successfully unloading its cargo.

"The arrival of Pos Glory at PSA Gwadar International Terminals marks a significant milestone in the Port's successful startup after months of preparation, training and transfer of port operating knowledge and technical expertise from PSA to a team of dedicated local management and staff," said Mr David Yang, Chief Executive Officer for Middle East and South Asia Region, PSA International Pte Ltd. "Two container quayside gantry cranes have also been brought in early to bolster the Terminal's container handling capability and we are now ready to service both general cargo and container vessels at the terminal."

Under the tutelage of PSA International's experienced management team and engineers, PSA Gwadar International Terminals has seen improvements in processes and installation of new equipment, including two container quay cranes (to be commissioned by end of March 2008). The port also provides significant employment opportunities to local residents.

PSA Gwadar is strategically situated in the western province of Balochistan, just outside the Straits of Hormuz and near the key shipping routes passing through the Persian Gulf. It is capable of handling both conventional and containerised cargo. Its 14.5mtr deep multi-purpose berth will boast post-panamax capability.

It is expected not only to cater to traffic currently transiting through the port of Karachi, but also to attract new traffic ?" particularly from container lines that would incorporate the port on their existing routes. [26/03/08]

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