Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, Pakistan

Port Overview

Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, located near Karachi on the Arabian Sea, is Pakistan’s second largest and busiest port. Covering 12,000 acres, it ranks ninth globally in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index. Strategically vital, it handles about 35% of Pakistan’s maritime cargo and serves as a gateway for approximately 60% of the country’s trade. The port supports major industrial zones and is crucial for national exports and imports. Its annual container throughput capacity exceeds 1 million TEUs, making it a key regional shipping hub.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Port Muhammad Bin Qasim features key terminals including a multipurpose terminal with four berths, Qasim International Container Terminal, FOTCO Oil Terminal, Engro Vopak Liquid Chemical Terminal, and a specialized Iron Ore & Coal Berth. Cargo facilities handle containers, bulk, break-bulk, oil, chemicals, grain, and fertilizer. Equipment includes ship-to-shore gantry cranes, grab unloaders (700 tons/hour), conveyor systems, transit sheds, and extensive open storage. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are not currently in use.

Container Terminals

Port Muhammad Bin Qasim has two main container terminals: Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT) and a second terminal. Together, they offer five container berths with a combined quay length of over 1,300 meters. The terminals have a total handling capacity of around 1 million TEUs per year. QICT is semi-automated, using computerized systems for yard and vessel operations. Major operators include QICT (a Hutchison Ports venture) and DP World.

Port Services

• Container handling: Dedicated container terminals for import and export operations.
• Cargo operations: Bulk, break bulk, liquid, and general cargo handling across multiple specialized berths.
• Ship services: Bunkering, waste reception, ship repairs, and medical facilities for vessels.
• Warehousing: Covered transit sheds, open storage areas, and private sector warehouses for cargo storage.
• Customs: On-site customs clearance and inspection for efficient cargo processing.

Global Connectivity

Port Muhammad Bin Qasim serves as Pakistan's second-busiest port, strategically located on the Arabian Sea trade route approximately 28 nautical miles southeast of Karachi. The port connects to major hinterland markets through the national highway network located 13km away and features 14km of railway track linking to Pakistan's national rail grid. Jinnah International Airport sits just 22km from the facility. Port Qasim provides direct access to key industrial areas including the Export Processing Zone in Landhi and Korangi Industrial Area, supporting 70% of Pakistan's exports and facilitating trade routes to Afghanistan, Central Asia, Western China, and the Arabian Gulf region.

Port Statistics

Port Muhammad Bin Qasim (Port Qasim) is located in Karachi, Pakistan and operates as one of the country's major container facilities. The port achieved the 9th position among the world's most improved container ports in the World Bank's Container Port Performance Index 2024, recording a 35.2-point improvement between 2020 and 2024.

Key operations include DP World's Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT), which maintains international standards. Recent government approvals include a major dredging project to deepen the channel for larger vessels, alongside planned expansion of berths and storage facilities to enhance trade capacity and operational efficiency.