AD Ports Group has signed a dredging agreement with Dutch marine contractor Van Oord to boost capacity at its Karachi port terminals in Pakistan. The project, led by Noatum Ports, will deepen berths and channels at Karachi Gateway Terminal (KGTL), allowing larger ships of up to 350 metres in length and 15.5 metres draft.
Once complete, container capacity at KGTL will rise from 750,000 TEUs to 1 million TEUs. At the nearby Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose Limited (KGTML), bulk vessel capacity will double from 60,000 to 120,000 tonnes. The work is scheduled for completion in Q1 2026.
The terminals are joint ventures between AD Ports Group and Dubai-based Kaheel Terminals. AD Ports entered Pakistan in 2023 through long-term concessions to operate berths at Karachi Port and has committed AED 1.1 billion (US$300 million) to modernise infrastructure and digital systems.
AD Ports said the dredging will strengthen Pakistan’s role as a regional trade hub by reducing freight costs and improving connectivity. Van Oord called the project an important step in enhancing the country’s maritime infrastructure and supporting economic growth.
