Karachi Port restores direct shipping links with seven European ports

A weekly shipping connection from Karachi Gateway Terminal to seven European ports has been restored, strengthening direct maritime links between Pakistan and key European markets, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Thursday.

According to the TV channel report, efforts by Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry have resulted in the restoration of a direct shipping service from Karachi to Europe.

Maritime Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry told the media that Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) had resumed its Premium I-Pak service.

The minister said the restoration of direct European shipping links would provide relief to exporters and improve the movement of export goods, including textiles, to European markets.

He described the restoration of the service as an important development for Pakistan’s export industry, saying reliable shipping connections were essential for exporters.

The minister also praised the efforts of Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Chairman Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed and the management of Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL) in helping restore the shipping connection.

Rear Admiral (retired) Shahid Ahmed said steps were continuing to make the country’s maritime logistics system more effective.

He said improved direct connections from Karachi would provide better access to important European markets and strengthen Pakistan’s position in international trade.

The restoration of direct services follows periods of regional transshipment restrictions and wider geopolitical changes that had affected international shipping routes.

Major international ocean carriers have now reinstated direct routes, allowing Pakistani exporters to avoid costly transshipment routes and reduce delays associated with additional port calls.

Among the restored and active services is the India North Europe Express, or INX, a weekly service launched through a joint initiative involving HMM, Ocean Network Express and United Marine Agencies.

The service connects Karachi Port with Northern European destinations, with a regular rotation including London Gateway, Rotterdam, Hamburg and Antwerp.

MSC has also resumed a direct European service through Karachi Port’s SAPT terminal. The service provides direct transit to major European destinations, including Felixstowe and Rotterdam, with reported transit times of about 30 days and 32 days, respectively.

WEC Lines is also operating regular weekly direct services connecting Karachi with Northwest European shipping networks.

The restoration of direct calls at Karachi Port Trust has also improved Pakistan’s liner shipping connectivity. The country’s Port Liner Shipping Connectivity Index has reached a reported historic high of 343.

The improved services are expected to reduce transit times and provide exporters with better access to vessel capacity.

The developments are particularly important for Pakistan’s textile, agricultural and manufacturing sectors, which depend on reliable maritime links to compete in European Union markets.