AD Ports Extends Karachi Terminals with Massive Dredging Work

9/6/2025, 2:53:24 PM

The Karachi Gateway Terminal of AD Ports Group, a prominent facilitator of international trade, logistics, and industry, has announced the signing of a significant dredging agreement with Van Oord, a global leader in dredging and marine contracting based in the Netherlands.

The agreement will greatly increase the flow of trade through the Group's port terminals in Pakistan.

The Dredging Project's Overview: Goals and Scope

The Karachi Gateway Terminal (KGTL), under Noatum Ports, is undertaking a project to deepen berths and navigational channels. This expansion will enable KGTL to accommodate ships between 305 and 350 metres in length and with draughts of 13-15.5 metres, thereby increasing its container handling capacity from 750,000 TEUs to 1 million TEUs upon completion.

Moreover, dredging at Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose Limited (KGTML), a facility handling general and bulk cargo, will increase its bulk vessel capacity from 60,000 to 120,000

tonnes, thereby lowering freight expenses and boosting throughput.

Notably, dredging operations are scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026. The KGTL and KGTML terminals are operated as joint ventures, with the Group and Dubai-based Kaheel Terminals as partners.

According to Mohammed Al Tamimi, CEO of Noatum Ports, the dredging project is a significant infrastructural improvement that will increase the Karachi terminals' commercial adaptability. With a focus on sustainable growth, operational effectiveness, and long-term stakeholder value, he described it as an investment in Pakistan's economic resiliency and global connectedness.

In addition to studying offshore and dredge engineering with an emphasis on sustainable ocean resource use, you can study to pursue a career in dredging at the Maritime Training Academy UK. Fleet members can receive instruction at the academy. Coastal, ocean, and environmental engineering are other pertinent disciplines.

Significance of Upgrades for Pakistan's Maritime Infrastructure

The AD Ports Group has chosen Van Oord to implement this major upgrade to the current logistics and infrastructure facilities at their Karachi terminals. This will improve Pakistan's maritime infrastructure and support its expanding economy, noted Godfried Van Oord, Area Manager Middle East – Van Oord.

In 2023, AD Ports Group entered Pakistan by obtaining concessions for bulk cargo and container berths at Karachi Port. The group plans to invest approximately AED 1.1 billion (USD 300 million) in upgrading port infrastructure and digital systems to foster trade growth and economic diversification.

According to Khurram Aziz Khan, CEO of Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL) and Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose Limited (KGTML), the dredging project allows for larger vessels with deeper drafts at both container and bulk terminals.

This enhancement is expected to benefit customers by optimising foreign exchange expenditure on freight and lowering logistics costs. Furthermore, it will strengthen Pakistan's position as a regional trade hub, increasing access to global markets and contributing to Karachi's port infrastructure modernisation for sustained national growth.