AD Ports Group’s Karachi Terminal signs major dredging deal

Monday, 8 September 2025 02:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

AD Ports Group, a leading enabler of global trade, logistics, and industry, has announced the signing of a major dredging agreement between its Karachi Gateway Terminal and Van Oord, a Netherlands-based global leader in dredging and marine contracting, to significantly expand the flow of trade through the group’s port terminals in Pakistan.

Led by the group’s international ports operating arm, Noatum Ports, the project will deepen berths and navigational channels at Karachi Gateway Terminal (KGTL), a container terminal, enabling the accommodation of vessels from 305 metres to 350 metres in length and 13 metres to 15.5 metres in draft. Container handling capacity at KGTL will be increased from 750,000 TEUs to 1 million TEUs upon completion of the expansion works.

At the adjacent Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose Ltd. (KGTML), that focuses on general and bulk cargo, the dredging work will double bulk vessel capacity from 60,000 to 120,000 tonnes — reducing freight costs and increasing throughput.

The dredging works are expected to be completed in Q1 2026. The KGTL and KGTML terminal operations are joint ventures between the Group and a Dubai-based partner, Kaheel Terminals.

AD Ports Group entered the Pakistani market in 2023 through long-term concessions to operate container and bulk cargo berths at Karachi Port. As part of its commitment to the country, the Group is investing nearly AED 1.1 billion ($ 300 million) to modernise port infrastructure and digital systems to support trade growth and economic diversification.