Pakistan has launched an investigation into a collision between two foreign vessels near Karachi Port, authorities said on Friday, adding that no casualties or injuries were reported and port operations remained unaffected.
The collision comes as Pakistan seeks to expand its role as a regional maritime and transshipment hub, investing in port infrastructure and promoting these facilities as gateways for landlocked Central Asian states.
The country’s ports have also gained added strategic importance amid disruptions to shipping and energy supplies caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing US-Iran conflict. “There have been no reports of any loss of life or injuries in the accident involving two foreign vessels,” Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said in a statement.
“The accident occurred on the night of May 28 near Karachi Port due to negligence on the part of the masters of both vessels,” he said, referring to the ships’ captains.
The minister said the collision took place outside the operational limits of Karachi Port and that authorities had sought a detailed report into the incident.
“The causes of the maritime accident are being investigated,” Chaudhry said.
He added that the affected cable-laying vessel had been safely brought into the port with the assistance of Karachi Port Trust (KPT) tugboats and praised port personnel for their timely response.
KPT Chairman Vice Admiral Shahid Ahmed said maritime activities at the port were continuing as normal and that the affected vessel had been provided all necessary technical and operational support.
“The government and relevant institutions are fully mobilized to ensure maritime safety,” Chaudhry said.