Hutchison Port Holdings, the Hong Kong based global port investor and terminal operator, has signed an agreement with Karachi Port Trust to build and operate a new container terminal, to be complete with four berths with a total quay length of 1,500 metres, a yard area of 85 hectares and a draft of 18 metres, at Keamari Groyne. The proposed terminal will represent the first phase of the country's deep water container port proposed to be set up at Karachi. The new joi nt venture company, Karachi New Port Container Terminals, will build and run the facility over a concession period of 25 years, extendable for another 25 years. The commissioning is scheduled for 2011. With trade volumes increasing, it is only natural that new port facilities will be created to cater to the requirement of the new large-size global carriers in a port that continues to enjoy the premier status in the country.
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