KARACHI, March 4: Experts have warned the ministry of ports and shipping that the expected arrival of Panamax class vessel, POS Glory, to unload wheat at Gwadar Port may damage the structure of the berth.

They have informed the ministry that the jetty, which has the designed capacity of is 50,000 dead weight tonnage (DWT), is unlikely to bear the pressure and load of the vessel having 75,000 DWT.

The vessel is loaded with 72,000 tons wheat from Canada is likely to arrive on March 15 at Gwadar port. However, the ministry has been warned against the dangers and risks involved in allowing berth to the 400-metre long vessel and the issue is taken up with President Pervez Musharraf, the sources said.

The experts further point out that the port has only two tugs of 30 tons Bollard Pull, whereas the Panamax vessel needs at least two tugs of 60 tons for turning it within the 480-metre basin of the port.

They also apprehend that if the 30 tons tugs are used for this huge vessel it may swing them and cause some mishap.

The ministry sources disclosed to Dawn that even the contractor, China Harbour who constructed these jetties, has advised the government not to allow arrival of this vessel as the two berths of 600-metre quay wall at the port have a designed capacity of only 50,000 DWT.

The experts have also raised question as to why such a huge vessel has been chartered for the haulage of wheat from Canada and if it is necessary at all smaller ships with 25,000 to 40,000 DWT should have been engaged.

The experts are of strong view that instead of giving berth at Gwadar, the vessel should be brought to Karachi Port where more powerful tugs are available.