Karachi Port Trust Shatters 138-Year Record with Historic 55.44 Million Tons Cargo Volume

The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has officially rewritten national maritime history, recording its highest-ever annual cargo handling volume of 55.44 million tons for the fiscal year. Shattering previous milestones, this unprecedented achievement underscores the port's critical expanding role in powering Pakistan’s trade, logistics, and supply chain ecosystem.

Drivers Behind the Historic Milestone

According to KPT’s annual performance review, the record-breaking throughput was heavily catalyzed by robust import activity and aggressive efficiency enhancements:

• Import Surge: Imports climbed by 5.82 percent, reaching 35.91 million tons.
• Bulk Cargo Growth: Dry bulk cargo experienced a standout surge, rising 12.41 percent to 9.06 million tons, while liquid bulk expanded by 7.93 percent to 13.35 million tons.
• Container Traffic: Container handling hit an impressive 2.75 million TEUs, reflecting a 3.67 percent year-on-year increase.
• Vessel Traffic: Port activity expanded broadly, with total vessel calls jumping 7.36 percent to 2,115 ships.
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Strengthening Pakistan’s Global Maritime Standing

Federal and port authorities attributed the milestone to targeted institutional reforms, streamlined terminal management across major operators like SAPTL, KGTL, and KICT, and upgraded port infrastructure. Beyond raw tonnage, KPT also made international waves by climbing 30 spots globally on the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI).

As Pakistan's premier maritime gateway, KPT continues to optimize operational efficiency, attract strategic investments, and reinforce the nation's position as a vital regional trade hub.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available reports. The image is AI generated and is just for reference.