PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Muhammad Bin Qasim
Pilot
updated Nov 2015Pilotage is compulsory. Pilots board in position 24°32.05'N 67°01.82'E (1.5nm SW of the Fairway Lt. Buoy). Deep draught vessels are normally boarded by the Pilot about 2.5hrs prior to HW in order to assure vessels berth at HW.
Key data
updated Feb 2026Size limits
LOA 350.55m, beam 50m, draught 13.0m and 147,207DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Arabian Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Sep 1 to May 31, Summer Jun 1 to Aug 31.
Tides
Range 3.0m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAP Marine Terminal | 13.00 m | 250 m | 1 |
| Pakistan International Bulk Terminal (PIBT) | 13.00 m | 229 m | 2 |
| Qasim International Container Terminal 2 (QICT2) | 13.00 m | 351 m | 2 |
| FOTCO Oil Terminal | 13.00 m | 252 m | 1 |
| Pakistan Steel Mills Terminal | 12.00 m | 230 m | 1 |
| PQEPC Coal Terminal | 12.00 m | 200 m | 1 |
| Qasim International Container Terminal 1 (QICT1) | 12.00 m | 347 m | 2 |
| ETPL LNG Terminal (Engro Elengy FSRU) | 12.00 m | 315 m | 1 |
| Pakistan Gasport LNG Import (PGPCL) Terminal | 12.00 m | 299 m | 1 |
| Engro Vopak Chemical Terminal (EVTL) | 11.00 m | 185 m | 1 |
| Coal Terminal | 10.50 m | 200 m | 2 |
| Marginal Wharf (Multipurpose Terminal) | 10.00 m | 208 m | 2 |
| Liquid Cargo Terminal (LCT) | 10.00 m | 186 m | 1 |
| SSGC LPG Terminal | 10.00 m | 160 m | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Feb 2026Approach
Access to the port is made through an entrance channel, divided into three sections, 24nm in length.
Ahsan Channel: Fairway Lightbuoy (red and white stripes, conical) (24°33.0'N 067°03.0'E), moored 9nm SSW of the SE end of Bundal Island, marks the entrance of the channel which leads NNE to Phitti Creek
The leading lights in line bearing 032.5°, lead through the outer part of Ahsan Channel, to a position close SSW of Nos 7 and 8 Lightbuoys.
The leading lights are exhibited from round towers with red and white bands standing on the SE sides of Surveyors Sand (24°39.4'N 067°07.3'E) and Buddo Island (24°40.4'N 067°07.9'E).
Phitti Creek: Entry is between the SE end of Bundal Island (24°43.0'N 067°08.0'E) and Zulfiquar Bank, 1nm SE; the channel to the port area passes along this creek and then through Kadiro Creek, past the Fauji Oil Terminal, to a turning basin off the Iron Ore and Coal Jetty, a distance of approx 13nm from the inner end of Ahsan channel.
Gharo Creek: Extends SE and NE, for approx 2nm, from the Iron Ore and Coal Jetty to Marginal Wharf. Then Gharo Creek leads, S of the port are, in a generally E direction.
Caution: The buoys marking the channel are liable to drag; also they are moved frequently to make best use of the channel.
The channel has been deepened (2011) to 13.0m allowing a 12.5m draught, with a year round target of 11.5m. Further deepening to 14.0m is planned for the near future.
Anchorages
The anchorage is marked by the Fairway Buoy and a couple of approach channel buoys can be seen in fair visibility. Vessels at anchorage are often good radar targets, however position of vessels should be confirmed through other navigational aids onboard. The anchorage has good holding ground and vessels with draught over 11.0m can safely anchor 3nm SW to W of the Fairway Buoy. Vessels calling Port Qasim should send their ETA 72 hours before arrival, followed by revised ETA of 48 hours and 24 hours giving particulars of vessel and cargo.
Tugs
Compulsory. There are 5 tugs available between 1,100-3,500bhp.
Charts and publications
BA 39, 58, 59, 707. Admiralty Pilot NP38, NP286(4).
Reporting before arrival
updated Nov 2015ETA and pre-arrival notices
Vessels should send ETA 72,48 and 24hrs in advance to the Deputy Conservator. Vessels should contact Port Qasim Control on VHF Ch 16 about 6hrs before arrival.
The ETA message should contain the following information:
1. Vessel name and flag
2. Net registered tonnage
3. Gross registered tonnage
4. LOA
5. Draught
6. Loading/discharging information
Communications
Karachi coast radio can be used for passing messages. The station operates throughout 24 hours.
VHF: Port Qasim Radio monitors Ch 16 and 10 throughout 24 hours. Ch 12 for pilotage.
On arrival vessel should call Port Qasim Control on VHF Ch 16. Ch 09 and 10 are working channels and should be used for communication.
Notice of readiness
Tendered during working hours, 0800-1700hrs local time.
Documents
The documents are distributed between Customs and Immigration. Special forms, for completion, are provided by the vessel's agent on arrival.
Health
Pratique is normally granted after berthing.
Customs and immigration
Customs: On arrival the bonded store is sealed by Customs. If the Master requires an issue of cigarettes or alcohol for the duration of the vessel's stay in port, a request should be made to Customs. The quantity allowed is determined by the Customs officials.
Masters should be aware that the bonded store will be inspected prior to sealing.
Immigration: Issue shore passes for crew members who should be aware that photography is prohibited.
Flags
If a vessel does not have the national ensign of Pakistan onboard, on arrival, it can be obtained from the vessel's agent.
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Director of Vigilance.
Position: Head of Designated Authority.
Address: Pakistan National Shipping Corporation Bldg, 5th Floor, M.T. Khan Road, Karachi, Pakistan.
Tel: +92 21 920 4063.
Fax: +92 21 920 6398.
Mob: +92 0300 826 1891.
E-mail: dirisps@da-isps-org
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Jan 2019Repairs
Available.
Dry docks
Available at Karachi.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available at the wharves.
Bunkering: Most grades available by barge or road.
Stores: Provisions are available with 24 hours notice.
Medical
Muhammad Ali General Hospital, 13.8km. Pakistan Steel 100 Bed Hospital in Karachi, 12km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Jinnah International Airport located at Karachi, Sindh, 29.9km.
Working hours
Normally 0800-1600hrs. Overtime is available.
About Muhammad Bin Qasim
updated Feb 2026Where it is
Muhammad Bin Qasim is located approx 32nm SE of Karachi on the E coast of Pakistan.
The port
Muhammad Bin Qasim is the second largest port of Pakistan after Karachi. It handles a wide range of general cargoes with a single berth exclusively for bulk iron ore. The port mainly handles iron ore, coal, fertiliser, furnace oil, edible oils, seeds, wheat, LPG, LNG, crude, dirty products, cements, containers and chemicals.
Traffic
Approx 45,000,000t of cargo, 1,000,000 TEU and 1,500 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Muhammad Bin Qasim
What are the pilot arrangements at Muhammad Bin Qasim?
Pilotage is compulsory.
What time zone is Muhammad Bin Qasim in?
Local time at Muhammad Bin Qasim is UTC+5. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Muhammad Bin Qasim?
The deepest berth listed is at FAP Marine Terminal: 13.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Muhammad Bin Qasim?
1025.
Which load line zone is Muhammad Bin Qasim in?
Arabian Sea Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical Sep 1 to May 31, Summer Jun 1 to Aug 31.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Muhammad Bin Qasim?
The UN/LOCODE of Muhammad Bin Qasim is PKBQM.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Muhammad Bin Qasim say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.
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A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.