KARACHI: Construction has started on a Rs120 million floating jetty at the Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority (KoFHA) aimed at improving landing facilities for fishing vessels and supporting seafood export operations, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs said on Saturday.
Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the project is intended to facilitate the offloading of export-quality fish catch and is scheduled for completion by June 2026.
He was chairing a meeting of the KoFHA board attended by Director General Dr Shahid Aslam, Chairperson Abrar Asim and other members.
According to the minister, the floating structure is designed to improve access to docking facilities, particularly for small-scale fishermen, and enhance operational efficiency at the harbour.
Unlike fixed jetties, the structure will adjust to tidal fluctuations, allowing vessels to dock and unload regardless of water levels, he said.
Chaudhry said the project is expected to reduce turnaround time between fishing trips and lower operational costs by enabling more efficient handling of catch. He added that the facility is particularly suited for shallow-water areas where conventional infrastructure is less viable.
The design includes a dedicated offloading point with catch monitoring systems, which officials said would support resource management and promote more regulated fishing practices.
The minister described floating jetties as a cost-effective alternative to fixed structures in areas with significant tidal variation, while emphasising that environmental considerations had been incorporated into the project’s design and execution.
He said the initiative was expected to improve logistics at the harbour and support economic activity in coastal communities through better access to fishing infrastructure.
