Pakistan’s Port Qasim Authority (PQA) has opened the prequalification process for a new Port Qasim multipurpose cargo terminal, marking a major step towards expanding the country’s capacity to handle breakbulk and general cargo. The terminal will be developed under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model, allowing a private developer or consortium to finance, construct and operate the facility before eventually transferring it to PQA.
The authority has invited national and international companies to participate in the prequalification process. Interested firms can submit applications either independently or as part of a consortium, providing an opportunity for experienced port operators, infrastructure developers and investors to take part in the project.
Under the proposed arrangement, the successful developer will be responsible for the design, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the terminal. The project is expected to introduce additional cargo-handling capacity at Port Qasim while improving infrastructure for the movement and storage of different types of general cargo.
Port Qasim Seeks National And International Bidders
PQA has structured the project to attract both domestic and international expertise. Companies applying for prequalification will need to demonstrate their technical, financial and operational capabilities to undertake a large-scale port infrastructure project.
The BOT model will allow the private sector to play a central role in developing and operating the terminal. Instead of relying entirely on public financing, the project will require the selected developer to arrange the necessary investment and manage construction and operations during the agreed concession period.
Once the concession period ends, ownership of the completed facility will ultimately be transferred to the Port Qasim Authority.
The approach is designed to combine private-sector investment with public port infrastructure and could help accelerate the development of additional cargo-handling facilities.
Port Qasim is an important part of Pakistan’s maritime trade network, serving industrial and commercial activities in and around Karachi. Additional infrastructure at the port could support growing demand for cargo movement and improve the handling of commodities that require facilities beyond conventional container terminals.
Project Includes Dredging And Quay Wall Construction
The proposed Port Qasim multipurpose cargo terminal will involve several major civil and marine infrastructure works. The project scope includes land reclamation, dredging and construction of a quay wall, along with other facilities required for the operation of the terminal.
Reclamation and dredging will be important components because the developer will need to prepare the site and marine approaches for efficient vessel operations. The quay wall will provide the required berthing infrastructure for cargo vessels using the terminal.
The project will also include associated infrastructure and facilities needed to support cargo storage, handling and evacuation. These facilities are expected to form an integrated system capable of moving cargo efficiently between vessels, storage areas and onward transportation networks.
The selected developer will also procure and install cargo-handling equipment. Modern equipment will be required to handle breakbulk and general cargo safely and efficiently.
In addition, the terminal will feature modern control systems for cargo storage and evacuation. Such systems can help operators monitor cargo movements, improve operational coordination and manage the flow of goods through the facility.
Developers To Conduct Demand And Traffic Studies
Beyond construction and operations, prospective developers will have to undertake detailed economic and financial feasibility studies.
These studies will include demand forecasts and traffic projections to assess the expected volume of cargo moving through the proposed terminal. Such assessments will help determine the commercial viability of the project and guide the development of the terminal’s capacity.
Traffic projections are particularly important for a multipurpose cargo facility because cargo volumes can vary depending on industrial activity, imports, exports and broader economic conditions.
Developers will therefore need to evaluate future demand before finalising their investment and operational plans. The feasibility work will also provide a basis for determining the infrastructure and equipment required to serve projected cargo flows.
The requirement for economic and financial assessments indicates that PQA is seeking commercially viable proposals rather than simply adding physical capacity to the port.
Prequalification Deadline Set For September 29
Interested national and international bidders must submit their prequalification applications by September 29.
PQA will review the applications and shortlist companies or consortiums that meet the required technical, financial and other eligibility criteria. The shortlisted groups will then be invited to submit detailed proposals for the project.
The process is expected to move the proposed terminal into a more competitive development stage, where qualified bidders can present their plans for financing, construction and long-term operation.