Leading integrated logistics company A.P. Moller-Maersk Terminals’ delegation met Pakistani officials in Islamabad earlier this week to discuss developing and revamping Pakistan’s ports, state media reported.
A.P. Moller-Maersk terminals business, APM Terminals (APMT), with operations in 130 countries, specializes in container logistics, has over 50 years of experience in developing and managing advanced ports and terminals globally, with 60 such facilities worldwide and more in progress.
APM Terminals’ CEO Keith Svendsen and his team met separately with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh.
“Svendsen expressed satisfaction on the investment and business friendly policies of Pakistan,” Radio Pakistan reported. “He showed interest in the first green transshipment terminal of Pakistan in Karachi.”
APM Terminals has expressed interest in constructing Pakistan’s inaugural green transshipment terminal in Karachi. This project will enable large cargo ships to dock at the port of Karachi, facilitating global access to Pakistani exports and ensuring easy delivery of cargo to central Asian countries.
“After the construction of the proposed project, large cargo ships can be anchored in the port of Karachi and the whole world would get easy access to Pakistani exports. APM Terminal would also construct international level logistics storage facility in Lahore, Tarnol and Peshawar,” according to Pakistani state media reports.
The Prime Minister formed an Inter-Ministerial Committee headed by the finance minister for this project, which also includes representatives of the special investment facilitation council, Pakistan Television reported.
Additionally, APM Terminals plans to establish international standard logistics storage facilities in Lahore, Tarnool, and Peshawar.
“Pakistan is keen to explore future projects and investments with APM, especially in the maritime sector,” Aurangzeb was quoted as telling the APM delegation. “The government is fully committed to facilitate an environment conducive to business and investments.”
Recognizing Pakistan’s growth prospects, Svendsen proposed investments to enhance integrated supply chain solutions and upgrade ports and logistics infrastructure. The delegation assured support for Pakistan’s maritime sector advancement and the development of a skilled workforce.
Groundbreaking of Bulk and General Cargo terminal
The week also saw a significant milestone in Pakistan’s port development efforts, as officials from Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) marked the groundbreaking of a $175 million Bulk and General Cargo terminal. This terminal is part of a new 25-year concession agreement signed between AD Ports Group and Karachi Port Trust (KPT) in February 2024 to outsource terminal operations.
Under this agreement, Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose Limited (KGTML), a joint venture between AD Ports Group and Kaheel Terminals, will develop, operate, and manage the Bulk and General Cargo Terminal, covering berths 11 to 17 at Karachi Port’s East Wharf.
