Hutchison Ports Pakistan has announced a $76 million investment programme for 2026 and 2027 to modernise and electrify operations at its deep-water container terminal in Karachi.
The programme will add two electric remote-controlled quay cranes, 17 electric remote-controlled Rubber Tyre Gantry Cranes, 70 e-trucks and 50 trailers.
The terminal has already received 20 e-trucks, 10 trailers, a reach stacker and an empty container handler this year.
Hutchison Ports Pakistan operates the country’s first deep-water container terminal. Its facility can accommodate super post-Panamax vessels and sits at the Keamari Groyne basin.
Investment Targets Faster, Greener Port Operations
The new equipment forms part of Hutchison’s wider modernisation and sustainability strategy.
The company expects its cumulative investment at Hutchison Ports Pakistan to exceed $690 million by the end of 2026.
The terminal already uses remote-controlled quay cranes and advanced container-handling technology. Hutchison previously became the first operator in Pakistan to introduce fully remote-controlled quay cranes.
It also began introducing electric trucks into Karachi Port operations in 2025. The move forms part of Hutchison Ports Group’s wider target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
“Our continuous investment reflects our unwavering commitment to Pakistan’s economic growth and maritime leadership,” said CS Kim, CEO of Hutchison Ports Pakistan.
“Working hand-in-hand with MOMA, KPT, and the Government, we are fully focused on turning the Prime Minister’s vision to establish Pakistan as a premier transshipment hub into a reality. By deploying cutting-edge technology, we are enabling faster turnaround times, optimizing cargo clearance, and unlocking long-term economic value for the nation.”
Hutchison Seeks Additional Land for New Facility
Hutchison has also submitted a proposal to the government for additional land.
The company wants to develop a Centralized Examination Area as part of its broader terminal upgrade programme. The facility aims to improve container examination and cargo clearance processes.
Hutchison is also advancing discussions over a wider investment framework proposed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last year.
The government and Hutchison have previously discussed upgrades to both South Asia Pakistan Terminal and Karachi International Container Terminal. Those plans include automation, electrification, advanced equipment and better road connectivity.
In 2025, Hutchison presented a separate $1 billion investment plan for its Pakistan operations. The proposal focused on efficiency, logistics links and automation.
Pakistan Pushes Regional Transshipment Ambitions
Pakistan wants to strengthen Karachi’s role as a regional logistics and transshipment hub connecting South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East.
Hutchison has also proposed a much larger expansion of its Karachi operations. The wider plan includes increased terminal capacity, warehousing and logistics infrastructure. However, regulatory and contractual issues have slowed parts of that proposal.
The latest $76 million equipment programme gives Hutchison an immediate route to improve existing operations while broader negotiations continue.
For Pakistan, the investment could support faster cargo movement, lower emissions and more efficient port operations.
For Hutchison, it strengthens an established presence in Karachi. The company says it has already invested about $600 million in the terminal, while Karachi Port Trust has spent more than $350 million on reclamation and dredging.
