Karachi Harbor

Page 1

 Description

          The Harbor, which is about 31/2 miles in length, is approached from its main navigable channel, at the Fairway buoy, which is about 2.8 miles from the Manora Break Water. The entrance lies between the southern end of Manora Break Water and the South Eastern Extremity of Keamari Groined Beacon. The lower Harbor extends to about 11/2 mile, from the Harbor entrance to Keamari Boat Basin, North of Oil Piers, with an average width of ? Meters and depth of 11.03 meters. The upper harbor which lies from Keamari Boat Basin in a Northerly and North Easterly direction is about 2 miles in length and? Meters wide, has depths ranging between 7.3 meters to 13.7 meters (see depths/lengths at Berths).

Karachi Harbor is a diurnal port with duration of tides ranging 5 1/2 - 6 hours also see 'Tide Tables').

        The Port can handle 75,000 Dot tankers, modern container vessels, bulk carriers and general cargo ships. The port has 28 dry cargo berths, in addition to the three oil piers OP-I, OP-II & OP-III. Berths No.4,5,6,7 & 8 at East Wharves have been reconstructed whilst 9 & 10 are under construction see 'Development). The Berths have been renumbered since 1st January,1999. To the East of Karachi Port, at a distance of 25 NM lies the Entrance to Port Qasim, which has a 44 KM channel through the Pity Creek. Put in operation in 1980, this is the second major port of Pakistan and functions separately and independently under Port Qasim Authority. Pilot age is compulsory for vessels of 200 i.e.. and upwards. Pilot boards at the Outer Anchorage at the Fairway Buoy. Vessels are piloted day and night, subject to tides, length and draft. Pilot age distance is about 5 to 6 miles. While waiting for pilot ships should heave to head to wind and sea and on approach of the pilot boat, turn so as to place the wind and sea on the port quarter, until the pilot has boarded. Hand ropes on pilot ladder are essential. Outer Anchorage where ships await berth is safe, except during the S.W. monsoon from mid-May to September. However during monsoon ships are to anchor, at a distance from the breaking waves, with long stay on the cable. Normally vessels should anchor at a safe distance outside the breakwater with Light house bearings 0.45'' and 025''. Depth of water at the anchorage is about 20.0 m.

      Berthing can be done at any time during Day and Night keeping in view the draft of the vessel. Berth charges are on day basis or fraction thereof (see 'Tariff'). There are seven fixed moorings in the harbor for lash vessels.

Maximum size of ships

Bulk carriers and general cargo (dry cargo)

length 945 ft.

draft 32 ft.

Bulk Oil tankers, white oil products

750 ft.

35 ft.

Bulk oil tankers, black oils

750 ft.

35 ft.

Oil Pier No. 1

1000 ft.

39 ft.

Oil Pier No. 2 crude oil

1000 ft.

35 ft.

Oil Pier No. 3

960 ft.

39 ft.