May 17, 2002	Friday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 4, 1423

KARACHI, May 16: Berthing activity at the Karachi port on Thursday was maintained on the higher side as the agencies tried to clear the inward rush of foreign flag vessels.

All the new arrivals as well as those awaiting berths were toed to the vacant berths.

They are: Sinar Bangka, Safe Marine Wami, Malakand, Perok, Wan Hai-233 and Leixoes, which will unload and load containers and Fair Eco to load mogas, an export consignment.

Four ships, Kathrine Sif, Bunga Mastiga, Wan Hai-233 and L.M.Z. Christiana sailed out, while Safe Marine Wami, Perok, Sibi, Malakand, Leixoes and Botany Triton are due to depart on Friday.

Berth occupancy at the dry berths was below normal at 35 per cent, while it was 100 per cent at the oil piers for the third consecutive day, according to KPT sources.

Cargo handling activity at the wharves was steady thanks to larger handling of liquid cargo. The total tonnage rose to 98,279 tons comprising 8,584 tons of export tonnage and 89,695 tons of import cargo including 63,788 tons of oils.

The following ships are due on Friday: Nord Sea, with crude oil, Berber, with oil, Bow Princess, with chemicals, MSC Lucky, Cape May, with containers and Cape Keopez, with general cargo.