KARACHI: Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) has achieved the milestone of handling 10 million TEUs (a twenty-foot equivalent unit) since the start of commercial operations in 1998.
A celebration ceremony held here late Friday to mark the achievement. Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping, Senator Kamran Michael was the chief guest, while Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Chairman Vice Admiral (R) Shafqat Jawed, Hutchison Port Holdings Limited (HPH) Group Managing Director Eric Ip, Middle East Asia Division of HPH Managing Director Andy Tsoi and KICT Chief Executive Officer Keith Lau, besides a large number of people from shipping lines, cargo owners, business leaders and industry experts were also present there.
Speaking on the occasion, Kamran Michael said that handling of the ten million TEUs by KICT is a significant achievement and very relevant to the ongoing activities being pursued by the present government in the promotion of ports and shipping sector, which is the backbone of the national economy.
In his welcome address, KICT CEO Keith Lau highlighted the organisation’s achievements and overall contribution to the national economic growth. He said that the KICT started its operations in 1998 with an annual handling capacity of 330,000 TEUs and now it has reached the record of handling 10 million TEUs, a milestone in the history of the container terminal industry of the country.
“Other than having our modern container handling equipment and IT systems, what we are most proud of is our KICT team spirit. From day one, KICT was built upon our dedication and commitment to our customers,” he said.
KPT Chairman Vice Admiral (R) Shafqat Jawed and Eric Ip also spoke on the occsion.
