Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Sunday said that Gwadar Port has achieved a major operational milestone after successfully berthing and handling a large deep-draft cargo vessel carrying over 53,000 metric tons of steel billets, underscoring the port’s growing capability as a regional transshipment hub.

In a statement, the minister said the vessel MV BI JIA SHAN, originating from Hong Kong/China and commanded by Captain Li Han, was safely berthed at Gwadar Port on May 24, 2026, carrying approximately 53,277.42 metric tons of prime steel billets comprising around 20,669 pieces.

He said the operation was particularly significant as the vessel had an approximate 12.8-metre draft, which demonstrated the effectiveness of Gwadar Port’s deep-sea navigation channel and modern handling infrastructure.

He said the successful handling of these vessels reinforced Gwadar Port’s emerging role.