KARACHI: The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has recorded an extraordinary spike in maritime activity, handling over 74,000 metric tons of cargo in just 36 hours, a surge analysts attribute to a regional rush to secure supply chains amidst escalating tensions in the Gulf.
The port witnessed a flurry of movement with 19 vessels arriving and 14 others anchored, waiting for berthing slots, while seven ships departed with full holds. This operational intensity comes as importers and exporters in the region seek to bypass potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, funneling more traffic through Pakistan’s busiest maritime gateway.
Containerized traffic led the charge, accounting for the bulk of the 45,171 tons processed. Notably, exports surged to 25,868 tons, significantly outpacing imports at 19,303 tons, suggesting a strategic push to clear stock before potential regional bottlenecks. Bulk cargo operations handled nearly 12,000 tons, including 6,114 tons of clinker, while liquid cargo terminals processed over 10,000 tons, reflecting the port’s critical role in energy and commodity logistics during this volatile period.
Port officials described the 36-hour window as one of the busiest in recent memory, with ships from across the region queuing to offload and load goods. The shift underscores Karachi’s growing importance as a stable alternative for trade routes in an increasingly unpredictable geopolitical landscape.
