April 7, 2006	Friday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 8, 1427

KARACHI, April 6: Brisk shipping activity was observed at the port where five ships, scheduled to load and offload containers, rice and edible oil, were berthed at QICT and MPT during the last 24 hours, a PQA press release said here on Thursday.

Three ships, two container ships and one oil tanker, sailed, while four ships carrying containers, seeds and chemicals also arrived at the outer anchorage.

Eight ships — Mumbai Express, Indonesia Star, Asian Gyro, Chitral, Amnok Gang, Star Dream, Warbah and Qing Hai — are currently occupying berths to load and offload containers, rice, edible oil, diesel and seeds.

A cargo volume of 83,231 tons comprising 60,973 tons imports and 22,258 tons exports inclusive of containerized cargo carried in 144 containers (boxes) was handled.

Three ships, Indonesia Star, Asian Gyro and Warbah, sailed out, while three others, Mumbai Express, Star Dream and Chitral, are expected to sail on Thursday. Two ships, MSC Germany and Holly Galaxy were expected to take berths on Thursday.

Five ships — MSC Natalia, Wester Moor, Saudi Tabuk, Al-Marwah and Al-Maqwa — with containers, chemicals and diesel are due to arrive at the port on Friday. Five ships are currently at outer anchorage. They are: Iran Borhan, Pleione, Holly Gallaxy, Anette Kosan and Nedllyd Muscat, with rice, seeds, chemicals and containers.