Gwadar Port achieves another milestone by handling ship carrying 53,000 MT cargo

Gwadar Port has achieved another operational milestone after successfully docking and handling a large, deep-draft cargo vessel carrying over 53,000 metric tons of cargo, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday.

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, carrying approximately 53,277 metric tons of prime steel billets comprising around 20,669 pieces.

The development comes amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to tensions between the United States and Iran. Iran has maintained a stranglehold on the key waterway for global energy and cargo supplies since the US-Israel launched their war on Feb. 28. 

The US last month imposed a counter-blockade on Iranian ports despite a ceasefire.

The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry further said the operation was particularly significant as the vessel had an approximate 12.8-meter draft, which demonstrated the effectiveness of Gwadar port’s deep-sea navigation channel and modern handling infrastructure.

“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,” the minister said, adding that the development reflected what “increasing confidence of international shipping lines in Gwadar’s strategic location and operational readiness.”

Pakistan has seen a surge in port activity as vessels divert from Gulf transshipment hubs due to disruptions caused by the US-Iran conflict and Tehran’s counterattacks on Israel as well as US and commercial interests in the Gulf, with cargo volumes rising sharply at key Pakistani ports.