Hutchison Ports Pakistan Plans $76 Million Investment to Upgrade Karachi Terminal

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Hutchison Ports Pakistan–SAPTL has unveiled a $76 million investment plan to modernize and expand the container terminal at Karachi Port. Under the plan, the company will introduce new electric and remote-controlled cargo handling equipment in phases by May 2028. The first batch of new equipment is scheduled to arrive this month (August 2026).

This investment is part of a broader modernization drive at Karachi Port. According to the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), the plan aims to support the transition of terminal operations toward a greener and more sustainable direction, covering areas such as digitalized operations, modern equipment, deeper and more efficient navigational channel conditions, selective use of artificial intelligence, and workforce development.

In terms of equipment delivery milestones, SAPTL is set to receive 10 electric tractors in August 2026 and 20 electric trucks in October of the same year. As the terminal progresses toward more automated and electrified cargo handling operations, additional equipment will be introduced during 2027 and 2028.

A key phase of the plan is scheduled for July 2027, when SAPTL is expected to receive 2 remote-controlled ship-to-shore cranes and 6 remote-controlled rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGCs). By mid-2027, the plan calls for 50 electric trucks and 40 electric tractors; an additional 11 remote-controlled RTGCs are scheduled to be commissioned in May 2028. KPT did not clarify in its announcement whether the 50 electric trucks and 40 electric tractors planned for mid-2027 include the equipment already scheduled to arrive in 2026, or whether they are in addition to that batch.

This implementation roadmap was presented by C.S. Kim, CEO of SAPTL–Hutchison Ports, during a meeting with KPT Chairman Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed. KPT stated that this $76 million plan is part of its broader efforts to build a smarter and more forward-looking port ecosystem. In addition to equipment upgrades, the port will advance transformations in digitalized operations, selective AI integration, and human capital development to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and operational performance, solidifying Karachi Port's position as a competitive trade gateway.