KARACHI, Nov 17: Four ships carrying chemicals, iron ore and high speed diesel arrived at the outer anchorage during the last 24 hours, said a PQA press release on Monday.

Berth occupancy remained below 50 per cent as only three ships, Eburna, Al Waaliyu and Ermis were busy in discharging edible oil, general cargo and iron ore.

Cargo handling activity was slow as a result the total tonnage handled shrank to 22,740 tons consisted of imported commodities including 6,095 tons of edible oil, 2,111 tons of general cargo and 14,534 tons of iron ore.

Three ships, Saudi Abha, Al Maqwa and Fu Le were awaiting their berthing turn at the outer anchorage, while Gizan Glory, Plantanos and Suzanne with coal, general cargo, chemicals were due to arrive.