SETHU CANAL TO GET EXTRA DREDGING

Pakistan’s Standing Committee on Ports and Shipping has praised the recent performance of Port Qasim Authority, saying the port has proved itself to be very efficient, cost competitive and having great potential vis-a-vis competing regional ports. The committee also emphasised that established procedures were being followed and that the PQA was undertaking business in a thoroughly transparent manner. The authority will be able to call upon part of the €111m fund set up by the government to enable further expansion to take place at Pakistan’s ports.

Attempts by India to open up the Sethusamudram Canal, which separates it from Sri Lanka, will involve dredging two sections along its entire 167km length. A 34km stretch will require work at Adam’s Bridge, whilst work is also needed along 55km of the socalled Palk Strait. Most of this work is expected to be awarded to the Dredging Corporation of India.