Direct Shipping to Europe Returns as Pakistan Restores Karachi Link

Pakistan has reestablished direct shipping connections between Karachi and major European ports, providing exporters with an alternative to longer routes and higher freight expenses due to global shipping disruptions. Federal Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced the reinstatement of Mediterranean Shipping Company's (MSC) PREMIUM IPAK service on Thursday, citing exporters' demand for a dedicated shipping link to Europe.

Under the restored service, MSC will operate weekly calls at Karachi Gateway Terminal International (KGTI), linking Karachi with key European destinations, such as Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Le Havre, and London Gateway via Colombo.

Chaudhry emphasized that the service would enhance shipping options for export-driven industries, particularly textiles, which have endured longer transit times and increased logistics costs due to disruptions linked to international shipping routes, including those in the Red Sea. The minister noted that textile exporters had expressed worries about the growing transportation costs and delayed delivery times for shipments to European and US markets, impacting the competitiveness of Pakistani exports.

He highlighted that the restored service would offer exporters more flexibility in planning and transporting shipments, although he cautioned that it would not entirely resolve the broader issues affecting international shipping routes.

Additionally, the Karachi Port Trust Chairman proposed implementing standardized electronic delivery orders around the clock, risk-based inspections, non-intrusive scanning, joint inspections, and common sampling to expedite cargo clearance. During a meeting of the Working Group on Shipping Connectivity and Optimization at the KPT headquarters, participants discussed eliminating both physical and regulatory obstacles to facilitate faster and more predictable cargo clearance.

Terminal operators expressed willingness to conduct inspections during nighttime hours, while Pakistan Customs was urged to facilitate round-the-clock operations.