Gwadar Port achieves major milestone with handling of 53,000MT vessel

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Sunday said that Gwadar Port has achieved a major operational milestone after successfully berthing and handling a large deep-draft cargo vessel carrying over 53,000 metric tons of steel billets, underscoring the port’s growing capability as a regional transshipment hub.

In a statement, the minister said the vessel MV BI JIA SHAN, originating from Hong Kong/China and commanded by Captain Li Han, was safely berthed at Gwadar Port on May 24, 2026, carrying approximately 53,277.42 metric tons of prime steel billets comprising around 20,669 pieces. He said the operation was particularly significant as the vessel had an approximate 12.8-metre draft, which demonstrated the effectiveness of Gwadar Port’s deep-sea navigation channel and modern handling infrastructure.

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According to the statement, the ship had sailed from Bayuquan Port in China and was originally scheduled for Port Sohar in Oman, but diverted to Gwadar for transshipment operations reflecting what the minister described as increasing confidence of international shipping lines in Gwadar’s strategic location and operational readiness.

The minister said the successful handling of such large vessels reinforced Gwadar Port’s emerging role in facilitating maritime trade linkages between China, the Middle East, Central Asia and other regional markets.

He added that the continuous arrival and efficient handling of deep-sea vessels highlighted Gwadar’s expanding maritime potential and its growing competitiveness as a deep-water port integrated into global supply chains.

The statement said the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Gwadar Port authorities remained committed to ensuring safe, efficient and cost-effective port operations while strengthening Pakistan’s role in regional connectivity and international trade routes.