Direct shipping between Karachi and major European ports restored

Karachi port has regained direct shipping connections with major European ports, offering a solution to exporters grappling with extended transit times and escalated freight expenses due to disruptions on global shipping routes, declared Federal Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Thursday. The minister disclosed that the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) reinstated its premium IPAK service, a direct Europe service, in response to exporters' plea for a steadfast and direct service to Europe.

Under the reestablished service, MSC will conduct weekly calls at the Karachi Gateway Terminal International (KGTI), linking the port city to major European hubs, such as Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Le Havre, and London Gateway via Colombo. Chaudhry highlighted that Pakistan has emerged as the region's transshipment hub, offering a full-service recovery.

The minister emphasized the significance of this development for export-driven industries, particularly the textile sector, which has been experiencing prolonged transit times and logistics costs due to international shipping route disruptions. Chaudhry referred to his discussions with textile exporters who had voiced concerns over the impact of altered shipping routes, especially those affected by the situation in the Red Sea.

These exporters had expressed worry that longer vessel journeys were augmenting transportation costs and delivery times for shipments to European and US markets, thereby diminishing Pakistan's competitiveness. The minister assured that the restored service would enhance connectivity with major European ports, providing exporters with enhanced choices for scheduling and transporting their shipments.

However, he cautioned that the reinstatement of the service should not be construed as a resolution to the broader challenges affecting international shipping routes. Disruptions to established shipping routes persist and continue to affect global trade. The minister pledged ongoing collaboration with the shipping industry and exporters to tackle connectivity and logistical issues, aiming to bolster Pakistan's standing in international trade.

In a related development, the KPT chairman proposed standardized 24/7 electronic delivery orders, risk-based inspections, non-intrusive scanning, joint inspections, and common sampling during a meeting of the Working Group on Shipping Connectivity and Optimization at the KPT headquarters. The focus was on eliminating physical and regulatory obstacles, streamlining cargo clearance, and enhancing its predictability.

Terminal operators expressed willingness to facilitate night inspections, while Pakistan Customs was urged to enable round-the-clock operations.