KARACHI: Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has awarded a dredging contract to National Dredging & Marine Services (NDMS) to deepen the Approach Channel, Tipu Sultan Channel and South Wharf, enabling deeper-draft vessels to access and berth at Karachi Port.
The agreement was signed at a ceremony at Karachi Port by officials from KPT and NDMS.
The project is expected to improve port efficiency, support higher trade volumes and reduce freight and transportation costs while strengthening Pakistan’s capacity in the dredging sector.
NDMS is a joint initiative of the National Logistics Corporation (NLC), Karachi Port, Port Qasim and Gwadar Port. The company was established following recommendations approved by the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Maritime Reforms to develop national expertise and capacity in dredging.
NDMS had earlier started dredging operations at Port Qasim in May.
Speaking at the ceremony, the chairperson of NDMS said the company’s establishment marked a step towards building domestic expertise in dredging, reducing reliance on foreign capacity and improving access for larger vessels.
The chairperson of KPT said substantial investment had been made in the NDMS-led dredging project, in addition to the recently completed Upper and Lower Harbour dredging project undertaken by KPT’s partner, KGTL.
He said deeper channels would enhance port efficiency, facilitate increased trade, contribute to foreign exchange savings and benefit the business community.
