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Port of Karachi

PKKHI🇵🇰Pakistan

Port Location

About Port of Karachi

This deep-water seaport on the Arabian Sea is Pakistan's largest and busiest, handling approximately 60% of the nation's cargo. It serves as a gateway for trade with Central Asian Republics and accommodates a wide range of vessels including bulk carriers, container ships, and tankers. The port features mobile, fixed, and floating cranes, with lifting capacities up to 100 MT+.

Background
The Port of Karachi is one of South Asia's largest and busiest deep-water seaports, located in Karachi, Pakistan. Handling about 60% of the nation's cargo, the port is located on the Karachi Harbour, between Kiamari Azra Langri, Manora, and Kakapir, and close to Karachi's main business district and several industrial areas. The geographic position of the port places it in close proximity to major shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. It is also ideally located to offer gateway services to the maritime trade for the Central Asian Republics (CARs). The administration of the port is carried out by the Karachi Port Trust, which was established in 1857.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
16m
Channel Depth
16ft
Tidal Range
2ft
Elevation
-9999m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile, Floating
Drydock
L
Repair Code
C
Terminals
3

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
48600 →
GeoNames ID
1174868 →
Wikidata
Q1842361 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
www.kpt.gov.pk →

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
PKKHI
Country
🇵🇰Pakistan
Time Zone
UTC+5
Feature Type
HBR (Harbor)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
PK-SD
Area
West Coast India
Body of Water
Arabian Sea
Latitude
24.8271°
Longitude
66.9845°

Terminals (3)

KARACHI INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL (KICT)

KARACHI INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL

Administration Building, Berths 26-30, Dockyard Road, West Wharf, Karachi 74000, Pakistan

www.kictl.com →

PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL (PICT)

PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL LIMITED

Berths 6-9, East Wharf, Karachi Port, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

pict.com.pk →

SOUTH ASIA PAKISTAN TERMINAL (SAPT)

SOUTH ASIA PAKISTAN TERMINAL LTD.

No. 1 Container Port Road, Keamari South, Karachi 75620, Pakistan

www.sapt.com.pk →
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Karachi?+
The controlling depth at Karachi is 16 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.
How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Karachi?+
The approach to Karachi is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Bara Andai Lighthouse at 1.9 NM to the SSE. Other aids include Manora Point (2 NM S), Karachi (2.1 NM SSE), Manora Breakwater (2.5 NM S), New Manora Breakwater (2.9 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Karachi on?+
The Port of Karachi is situated on the Arabian Sea in PK. The area falls within the subtropical climate zone with mild winters and warm summers, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Karachi?+
You can track vessels near Karachi (PKKHI) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for PKKHI on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Karachi?+
The Port of Karachi operates in the UTC+5 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.
What is the Port of Karachi?+
KARACHI (UN/Locode: PKKHI), Pakistan is a seaport located at approximately 24.82710° N, 66.98450° E.
Where is the Port of Karachi located?+
Coordinates: 24.82710° N, 66.98450° E. Nearby terminals/ports:PORT QASIM — UN/Locode: PKBQM — 24.77350° N, 67.33700° E
What facilities are available at the Port of Karachi?+
Harbor type/size: Coastal Natural and Medium. Cranes: mobile cranes, fixed cranes and floating cranes. Lifting: 0–24 MT lifts, 25–49 MT lifts, 50–100 MT lifts and 100 MT+ lifts. Support: wharf loading/offloading, anchorage loading/offloading, good holding ground and turning area. Depths: channel depth 9.4m - 10m; anchorage depth 9.4m - 10m; cargo pier depth 12.5m - 13.7m; oil terminal depth 14m - 15.2m and maximum draft approx. 11.09 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Karachi?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: restrictions present; swell: restrictions present; ice: none; overhead limits: apply and other: may apply.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Karachi?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: available; radio (VHF): available; air services: available; rail: available; ETA message: required; quarantine pratique: not available; deratting certificate: not available; first port of entry: available and additional quarantine services available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: compulsory; tug assistance: available and tug salvage: available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Karachi?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Container, Gas Carrier, General Cargo, Offshore, Ro Ro, Tanker, Tugs Harbor Craft and Unspecified.
Who are the ship suppliers at the Port of Karachi?+
Ship suppliers include GOLDEN SEA ENTERPRISES.
Which service providers operate at the Port of Karachi?+
Service providers include Alfa Marine Electronics and Al Meena Marine Engineers.