KARACHI, April 13: Largest cargo vessel, MV Rapallo, loaded with 60,000 tons of canola, was docked at Port Qasim’s FAP dedicated bulk cargo terminal on Friday.

The vessel with a draft of 12.3 metres and an LOA of 220 metres is the largest bulk cargo vessel ever given berth at the PQA.

Port Qasim Authority’s DG Operations Gul Aleem Khan said that in 36 years of PQA history this is the first time that a bulk carrier of 12.3- metre draft has been given berth.

Prior to FAP terminal, the port didn’t have the depth to cater for large size bulk carriers.

He assured that the PQA would soon enhance the draft of its approach channel which would enable the FAP’s to fully utilize its draft of 14 metres.

Gul Aleem Khan said that it is economically better to bring larger size of bulk carriers which provide economies of scale to importers.

Ahmed Rana, CEO of Fuji Akbar Portia terminal, said that FAP has so far handled wheat, rice, corn, fertilizer and canola cargo.

He said further said that current 60,000 tons of Australian Canola has been imported by All-Pakistan Solvent Extractors Association.

He said that FAP mechanized bulk cargo handling system directly discharges grains and fertilizer in secure silos and flat warehouses.

“This ensures quicker turnaround time for vessels and results in huge saving to their clients,” Rana said.