KARACHI, May 31: Cargo handling at the Karachi port on Friday was maintained at a brisk pace where a record tonnage of 0.121m tons was handled.

Although the bulk of the tonnage about 80,000 tons comprised oils and molasses, dry tonnage also showed a modest increase as compared to the normal average figure, according to KPT sources.

The dry export tonnage rose to about 24,000 tons and that of molasses to 29,350 tons, the total being 53,056 tons. Import tonnage comprised oils 49,385 tons, general commodities 16,000 tons and soyabean oil about 2,000 tons.

Meanwhile, six ships, carrying containers and to load molasses are due on Saturday along with container vessel Conti Valencia, whose arrival was delayed.

Three ships, MSC Camille and Al-Wajba to unload and load containers and Overseas Juneau, to offload wheat for Afghanistan were berthed after the sailing of Kota Sabas, Malakand, Saf Marine Athi.

About half a dozen ships including Winco Feeder, Dresden, Al-Wajba, Skow Hegen, MSC Camille and Sark Trader are due to sail out on Saturday.

The following ships are due on Saturday: Sea Splendor, to load molasses, Johar to offload crude oil, Sima Roja, Parvat and Hyundai Advance to unload and load containers and Persey to offload steel cargo.