KARACHI, March 3: Cargo handling activity at the Karachi port on Monday was maintained on the higher as the total tonnage handled swelled to 0.111m tons, according to KPT sources.

The crossing of a 0.1m figure for the second day in a row reflects steady handling of the oil tankers reaching here in quick succession in an official bid to build-up long stock position amid fears of Iraq war.

The export tonnage totalled 22,751 tons, which also included 9,000 tons of liquid cargo and the import tonnage rose to 88,588 tons including 2,320 tons of oils.

Meanwhile, berthing activity at the wharves was modest where only three ships, Lyi to unload and load general cargo and Shirvan and Eastern Liberty to offload crude oil and palm oil were berthed.

Sailing on the other hand was fairly active as eight ships departed after loading export consignments and offloading oil. They are: Kota Tegap, Jamila, Wan-Hai 302, Iron-D, Northern Sea Anvil, Stolt Sea, Sorena and Bow Chain.

Seven others, including Shirvan, L.T. Grand, Eastern Liberty, Kota Wangasa, Izumo, Pergmos and Leyi are due to depart on Tuesday.

The following ships are due on Tuesday: Monte Rosa, with 7,000 tons of tallow, APL Venezuela and Merkur Sea, with containers.