China Port gained huge popularity in 2018 as a new tourist spot in Karachi. Many vloggers, social media influencers, and media covered this spot.
However, this spot was soon banned for public visit as the purpose of this place was breaking the water tides for the port and not for leisure. This prohibition is good for both – for the safety of people who were visiting and for the structure.
This Post Contains
What is China Port?
China Port is a 2.5 kilometer stretch of concrete tetrapods built by the Chinese for a shipping terminal. Although it’s not a port – it’s just a Breakwater for a port.
The breakwater is known as China Port by combining who made it (China) and it is made for whom (Port). Its actual name is “Oyster Rock Breakwater”.
The place is besides Clifton Beach (GPS Coordinates: 24°47’43.5″N 67°00’03.2″E)
Some Technical Know-how
In order to understand why this place is banned for visitors and to know how tetrapods can break the water, I am going to explain you both technically. Let me get into the Engineering Mode after all I am an Engineer exploring the World.
a. What is a Breakwater?
Breakwaters are engineering structures used to reduce the flow of high tides in the area usually where ships are berth and where coastal erosion are to be avoided.
The high tides will result in ship movements, making it difficult to offload the containers via Quay Cranes. Inside the breakwater area, the water is usually calm and ripples are not significant.
b. What are Tetrapods?
Tetrapods are made up of concrete and are of tetrahedral shape. This shape is great for interlocking with each other, and reduces displacement.
Tetrapods also help to dissipate the force of incoming waves by letting water to flow around them rather than against them.
Is China Port the only Breakwater in Karachi?
No, this is one of the breakwaters for the terminal area on the western side of Karachi. Besides China Port, there are “Keamari Breakwater” and “New Manora Breakwater”.
These Breakwaters are for South Asia Pakistan Terminals / Hutchison Ports Pakistan, which is the first deep water container terminal in Pakistan. It can accommodate super post Panamax ships, which are large vessels.
Chota Anda and Bara Anda
Chota Anda and Bara Anda are two small Islands in Karachi, visible from China Port, along with other multiple tiny islands. The name literally means Small Egg and Big Egg. The name looks quite hilarious.
These are also called Oyster Rocks.
Location of Chota Anda
Location of Bara Anda
Other notable Places Nearby
Don’t worry if this place is closed for public. There are other interesting places to visit nearby, like:
· Manora Island
· A.K. Khan Park
· Pakistan Monument
· Dolmen City Mall
· Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim
· Mall of Karachi
· Jehangir Kothari Parade
· Beach view Park
· Park Towers