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Gwadar Port to reclaim original operational depth

2022-09-20 Tamara Parkin

20092022Gwadar // gawadar-port-695x430_1.jpg (318 K)

Photo Credit: Gwadar Port Authority 

Desilting operations at a cost of around $12.5 million will begin at Gwadar Port in Pakistan to reclaim the original operational 14.5m depth of the port, although no official start date has yet been given. The activity will  open up the port for greater mega-vessel traffic and expand its operations with the addition of two new berths. 

Dredging operations have not taken place at the port since 2015 , allowing for silt build up. But officials have refuted claims that the port's depth has depleted to 11.4 metres. GPA Director Marine Operations Captain Gul Muhammad told reporters that most recently the port was able to berth two bulk carriers, Bao Quan with a draught of 11.6 metres and Teera Bhum with a draught of 10.9 metres. These vessels had a deadweight tonnage of 24,238 tons. 

Once finished, the dredging campaign will enable the port to expand its existing operations and allow for the construction of additional berths from the existing 602 metres length to 1500 metres. This depth will mean vessels of any type will be able to dock at Gwadar Port. Two companies have qualified for the contract, a Pakistani and a Hong Kong based company. It has yet to be announced who will be awarded the contract or the names of the shortlisted companies. 

Around $12.5 million has already been allocated to the dredging process for 2022-23. Any remaining figure will be determined per cubic metre with consideration to the scale of the operation and size of the area to be cleared from siltation. 

The port continues to remain operational and is able to berth and process mega-vessels though at a reduced frequency. 

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