Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said on Thursday that direct shipping connectivity between Karachi and major European ports has been restored, providing relief to exporters facing longer transit times and higher freight costs because of disruptions to international shipping routes.
In a statement, the minister said Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has reinstated its PREMIUM IPAK service in response to exporters' demand for a dedicated and direct service to Europe. Under the restored service, MSC will make a weekly call at Karachi Gateway Terminal International (KGTI), connecting Karachi with key European destinations through Colombo, Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Le Havre and London Gateway.
"The restoration of a dedicated Europe service is an important development for our export-oriented industries, particularly the textile sector, which has been facing increased transit times and logistics costs because of disruptions to international shipping routes," the minister said. He said textile exporters recently discussed difficulties caused by changes in shipping routes with him, particularly those linked to the situation in the Red Sea.
"Exporters told me recently that longer vessel journeys were increasing transportation costs and delivery times for shipments to European and US markets. These additional costs and delays have affected the competitiveness of Pakistani exporters," he said.
The minister said the government is taking up the export sector's concerns with shipping lines and other relevant stakeholders to improve maritime connectivity and facilitate international trade. He welcomed MSC's decision to reinstate the PREMIUM IPAK service, saying the weekly Karachi call will provide exporters with a more direct connection to important European markets.
"The restored service will improve connectivity with major European ports and provide exporters with greater options for planning and moving their shipments," he said. The minister, however, noted that the reinstatement of the service should not be viewed as a resolution of the wider challenges affecting international shipping routes.
"Disruptions to established shipping routes continue to have implications for global trade. We will continue working with the shipping industry and exporters to address connectivity and logistics issues and strengthen Pakistan's position in international trade," he said.
Junaid Chaudhry said the government remained committed to improving port and shipping services and creating a more efficient maritime logistics system to support exporters and enhance the country's trade competitiveness. The minister also praised Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Chairperson Rear Admiral (r) Shahid Ahmed and the management of Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL) for restoring the shipping link between Karachi and major European markets.