By: Naseebullah Khan
Recently, a buzzword hit social media that the CPEC will be shifted from Gwadar deep Seaport to Karachi. After a couple of days, the federal government declared these rumors baseless. Despite going into the details of the conspiracy, it is pertinent to have an eye on the potential of Gwadar’s deep seaport.
The main difference between a deep seaport and a normal seaport is not only about sea depth but also it’s potential in many areas. A seaport that has 14 meters depth is called a deep seaport, which is used for large and heavily loaded ships. A deep seaport has facilities such as sheltered water facility, on and offshore renewable support, premier cruise destination, good communication links, 24-hour access, etc. Deep seaport can accommodate laden Panamax ships. There is also the facility for sea-going ships to docks which further discharge cargo.
When we come to Gwadar seaport, It has the potential to receive 200000 tons of supertanker. Whereas its channel depth in phase two is 20 meters while port Qasim has 12 meters and Karachi seaport has a depth of 3 meters. The Chinese overseas port holding company (COPHC) chairman Zhang Baozhong observed that Gwadar deep seaport has the potential to accommodate large vessels up to 70000 deadweight tons (DWT). While these facilities are missing in a regular seaport. In phase 3 of the Gwadar deep seaport, the proposed deadweight tonnage is 400000 plus along with 150 berths. Whilst at present Karachi port has 41 berths. It is expected that Gwadar deep seaport will handle 4 million tons of cargo annually.
Strategically, it is located at the mouth of the Indian Ocean along with the Persian gulf by connecting central Asia with the Middle East. It is at a distance of 120 km from Iran and 600 km from the Strait of Hormuz which is the epicenter of the world oil trade from where two-third of world oil passes. Whereas, Karachi is located at a distance of 533 km from Gwadar, whose distance further increases concerning the middle east.
A special economic zone of 98000 sq. meters has been established by the Chinese government along with Airport, port development, and roads. A huge investment has been taken place by China. According to the official website of the Gwadar seaport government of Balochistan, the projects which have been taking place in Gwadar are as such: Construction of 6 lane East bay, construction of breakwaters, degrading and breathing areas and channels, hospital, and coal-based power plant. In this scenario, the rumour of shifting the CPEC from Gwadar to Karachi does not make sense.
It must be in mind that the CPEC is not a project rather a project of projects and Gwadar deep seaport is one of its flagship projects. China has a plan to invest 3.5 USD in Karachi Coastal Comprehensive. Development Zone (KCCDZ) too. It does not mean the shifting of the CPEC from Gwadar. Gwadar has its potential and facilities while Karachi port has its potentialities. What is needed is a cold fist to the propaganda of the enemies.
The writer is a freelance columnist. He tweets at @Naseebk95976870