KARACHI: Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) on Friday achieved a milestone when it handled 10 th million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit) becoming the first container operator in Pakistan.
The landmark achieved in just 17 years as KICT came into operation in 1998.
To mark the occasion celebrations were organized at the KICT on Friday night.
Senator Kamran Michael, Minister for Ports and Shipping addressing as chief guest termed the achievement as “significant” and “very relevant to the ongoing activities being pursued by the present Government in the promotion of ports and shipping sector, the back bone of the national economy”.
Keith Lau, Chief Executive Officer of KICT welcoming the guests on the momentous occasion said that starting from specialized Gantry Crane Operations at Karachi Port to gaining the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code compliance, KICT opened a new era of modern container handling in Pakistan. He said that KICT strives to maintain a balance between operational efficiency and its impact on environment and for the purpose converted RTGCs into hybrid models besides organizing community activities to raise awareness of the need to “Go Green” reducing our Carbon footprint.
He appreciated the workers of the KICT and expressed gratitude to all strategic partners including customers as well as government departments assuring ever-improving world-class container terminal services to the exporter/importer communities.
The celebrations were also attended by Chairman KPT Vice Admiral (Rtd) Shafqat Javed, Eric Ip group Managing Director Hutchison Port Handling Limited, ship liners, cargo owners, business leaders and industry experts.