October 12, 2008

PSA starts operations at Gwadar

PSA Gwadar International Terminals has received its first commercial cargo vessel 'Pos Glory' in its deep water berths on March 15th 2008. The 40,000 gross register tonnage bulk vessel is the largest bulker to berth at any Pakistani port to date, carrying 64,000 tonnes of wheat.

Mr David Yang CEO of PSA's Middle East & South Asia regions said that "We are grateful to be given the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the city of Gwadar through the management and operation of its port. We are now ready to service both general cargo and container vessels at the terminal."

According to PSA Gwadar International Terminals, there is strong interest in Gwadar's facilities from importers and exporters currently shipping through Karachi ports. Meanwhile, road construction delays have led Pakistani officials to stress the importance of an efficient road network for success at Gwadar port.

The Senate body on Shipping and Ports has asked the government to give the highest priority to the development of road networks at Gwadar port. Pakistani ambitions for Gwadar are based on its strategic position at the tip of the Straits of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.

Reports have highlighted Gwadar's significance as a modern deep-water facility for alternative routes to Gulf ports and as a strategic link to China and the Central Asian Republics.