Karachi Port set for vessel capacity boost
AD Ports Group has signed a major dredging agreement to expand port capacity at Karachi, which should significantly boost Pakistan’s maritime trade infrastructure.
The deal, reached between AD Ports Group’s Karachi Gateway Terminal (KGTL) and Netherlands-based Van Oord, will see extensive port dredging and berth deepening works to enable KGTL to handle larger vessels.
“This dredging project is more than a significant infrastructure upgrade to the two Karachi terminals’ commercial versatility, it is a forward-looking investment in the economic resilience and global connectivity of Pakistan,” said Mohammed Al Tamimi, chief executive officer of Noatum Ports.
Capacity leap
At the terminal, bulk cargo handling will be transformed, with dredging doubling vessel capacity from 60,000 tonnes to 120,000 tonnes.
The work will allow the terminal to cater for vessels up to 350 metres in length and 15.5 metres in draft – while raising container handling capacity from 750,000 to 1 million teu.
This leap in port capacity is expected to cut freight costs, optimise logistics efficiency, and increase throughput across key regional and global markets.
Van Oord, renowned for delivering large-scale marine civils projects worldwide, will lead the engineering works, scheduled for completion in Q1 2026.
The investment forms part of AD Ports Group’s AED 1.1 billion ($300 million) commitment to modernise Karachi’s port infrastructure, enhance digital systems and strengthen Pakistan’s role as a regional trade hub.
By combining strategic dredging, berth deepening and long-term investment, AD Ports Group said it is looking to deliver sustainable growth while opening new maritime corridors for Pakistan’s economy.
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