By an OGJ correspondent
KARACHI, Sept. 14 -- The liquid cargo handling of Karachi's port will be enhanced by 8 million tonnes/year when a new crude oil terminal is dedicated in October.
The Karachi Port Trust, which constructed the 1.3-billion-rupee terminal in the lower harbor, says the facility is capable of accommodating tankers as large as 150,000 dwt.
The terminal project, inaugurated in March 2003, had been delayed for 6 months by spillage from the Tasman Spirit oil tanker, which suspended construction for 45 days, and by the unavailability of steel (OGJ Online, June 1, 2005).
Currently, Karachi port is handling 16 million tonnes/year of liquid cargo. The new terminal will replace Oil Pier-II, which was constructed in 1966. It was designed to handle products other than crude such as edible oil, tallow, molasses, alcohol, and liquid chemicals.
Facilities at the new terminal consist of a 1,000-ft pier and loading platform that will accommodate 22 common user pipelines through nine loading arms with modern loading and unloading facilities.