Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) has handled 10 million TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit) since the start of commercial operations in 1998, becoming the first container terminal operator in Pakistan to achieve this milestone.

A celebration ceremony held today to mark the achievement was attended by Chief Guest Senator Kamran Michael, Minister of Ports and Shipping Pakistan; Vice Admiral (R) Shafqat Jawed, HI(M), Chairman Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Mr Eric Ip, Group Managing Director, Hutchison Port Holdings Limited (HPH), Mr Andy Tsoi, Managing Director – Middle East Asia Division, HPH and Mr Keith Lau, Chief Executive Officer of KICT, along with over 500 guests, comprising shipping lines, cargo owners, business leaders and industry experts.

Speaking on the momentous occasion, Senator Kamran Michael said, “Handling of the 10 million TEUs by KICT is a significant achievement and very relevant to the ongoing activities being pursued by the present Government in the promotion of ports and shipping sector, which is the backbone of our national economy. The Government envisions the ports and shipping sector to be the leading contributor to the national economy, while the Ministry looks for the corporatisation and modernisation of this vital sector.

In his welcome address, Mr Keith Lau highlighted the organisation’s achievements and overall contribution to the national economic growth. He said, “KICT started its operations in 1998 with an annual handling capacity of 330,000 TEUs and now it has reached the record of handling10 million TEUs, a milestone in the history of the container terminal industry of the country. Other than having our modern container handling equipment and IT systems, what we are most proud of is our KICT team spirit. From day one, KICT was built upon our dedication and commitment to our customers.”

Vice Admiral (R) Shafqat Jawed, HI(M) and Mr Eric Ip also addressed the guests.