KARACHI, Jan 3: Four ships to load and offload rice, containers and edible oil arrived at the outer anchorage during the last 24 hours, said a PQA press release on Tuesday.

Berth occupancy fell to 44 per cent as four ships, Hurst Point, Fu May, Al-Marwah and Khaleda, were busy in loading and unloading containers, chemicals, seeds and jute.

Cargo handling was slow totalling 18,172 tons inclusive of containerized cargo.

Sailing was active as Hurst Point and Al-Marwah left the port. Six ships, Golden Star, Al-Barella, Sealand Mariner, Olympic, Bahagia and Gemini were awaiting their berthing turn at the outer anchorage.

Chemicals carrier Anette Kosan was due to arrive on Tuesday, while Saratoga, CMA CGM Nilgai and Gallant Wave were expected to reach on Wednesday.