July 19, 2002	Friday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 8, 1423

KARACHI, July 18: Berthing activity on the Karachi port is expected to shrink significantly on Friday as only one tanker carrying lube oil is due to arrive, according to KPT sources.

However, activity at the wharves on Thursday was maintained on the higher side thanks to steady arrival and departure of the foreign flag vessels.

Six ships, Al-Wajba, MSC Camille, Sinar Bangka, Kota Mulia were berthed to load and unload containers, while Shivan and Nur Yanbu got berths to offload crude oil and chemicals respectively.

Six ships, Honor River, APL Cairo, Al-Wajba, Keefan, Matsu Kaze and Pinta sailed out while Mar Challenger, Shirvan, Efdim Hope, Nur Yanbu, Iran Modaras, and Marine Trader are due to sail out on Friday.

Berth occupancy was 35 and 67 per cent both at the dry wharves and the oil piers respectively.

A total tonnage of 76,620 tons comprising 13,667 tons of export cargo including 918 tons of rice and 62,953 tons of import tonnage including 41,184 tons of oils was handled.

The following tanker is due on Friday: Bunga Santan, with lube oil.