KARACHI, March 7: Berthing activity at the Karachi Port was maintained at a brisk pace where 10 ships were berthed on Thursday as the agencies tried to clear the inward rush of foreign flag vessels well in time.

Ship movements were, therefore, well above the daily average as 17 vessels were berthed or sailed out during the last 24 hours, according to KPT sources.

The berth occupancy at the dry wharves and the BOPs respectively rose to 50 and 67 per cent.

The ships, which got berths included Jamila, Trade Fast, Dubai, Kindia, Leixoes and MSC Deila to unload and load containers, Mosa to offload vehicles Fanto to unload iron scrap, Stolt Sakra and Gulf Trader to offload oil and chemicals.

Sailing was also active as seven ships, Swat, HSH Kusu, Kindia, Mosa, Hyderabad, Johar and Stolt Sakra departed, while Marine Trader, MSC Deila, Leixoes, Gulf Traders and MOL Sincerity are due to sail out on Friday.

A total tonnage of 47,852 tons comprising 17,189 tons of export cargo including 2,680 tons of rice and 30,663 tons of import cargo was handled.

The following ships are due on Friday: Lanka Mahapola, Global Paramount, with containers, Gefion with general cargo and F.T.You Lih-1, with fish.