Maritime service to Europe launched
Experts in Pakistan's blue economy have said that the new maritime service connecting Pakistan to Europe will significantly lower transshipment costs and ensure faster delivery to export destinations.
A new direct shipping line to Europe will strengthen the global seaborne trade supply chain, with the weekly maritime service commencing operations globally on February 5, with its first departure from Pakistan's port city, Karachi.
Speaking to The Express Tribune on Thursday, Ports and Shipping Expert and former chairman of the All Pakistan Shipping Association, Asim Siddiqui, said the new service is highly beneficial as it reduces transshipment costs and improves delivery times. He added that it should enhance the global competitiveness of Pakistani goods in northern European markets.
"There are other European services directly connecting to Europe from Pakistan, so I'm not sure how much this will transform seaborne trade, but it will certainly add value to the supply chain by enhancing the capacity of direct shipping to northern Europe," Siddiqui remarked.
Sohail Shams, CEO of United Marine Agencies (UMA), said the launch of the new INX maritime service is highly beneficial for Pakistani goods, offering a direct and efficient route to European markets. "With increased ease of access, this service will improve the timely and cost-effective delivery of goods, particularly benefiting Pakistan's diverse industries, including marine, fisheries, and minerals," he added.
Pakistan's strategic location at the crossroads of Central Asia, Southwest Asia, and the Persian Gulf positions it perfectly to leverage such initiatives for increased trade, Shams said. He added that the INX service would enable Pakistani products to reach European ports more efficiently, boosting exports and enhancing the competitiveness of the country's goods globally.
Regarding the service's impact on seaborne trade and the global supply chain, Shams noted, "Yes, the HMM-INX maritime service will significantly boost Pakistani trade and strengthen the global supply chain. The sea lines of communication (SLOCs) are crucial for the exchange of raw materials and trade goods. This new service enhances Pakistan's connectivity to key European markets like Rotterdam, Hamburg, and London Gateway, enabling faster and more efficient shipping." This strengthened connectivity coupled with Pakistan's location as a gateway to multiple regions, will not only boost regional trade but also support the expansion of Pakistan's maritime capabilities, contributing positively to the global supply chain, he added.
The reduced transit time offered by the HMM-INX service is expected to transform the sea trade landscape between Pakistan and Europe. Shams explained that Pakistan's strategic position, combined with initiatives like China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), will expand the country's maritime trade potential. Faster delivery times will reduce logistical bottlenecks and create new opportunities for Pakistani businesses to access European markets quickly and reliably. This is especially important for Pakistan's blue economy, with its vast potential in marine and fisheries industries, he said. By improving trade efficiency, this service will enhance Pakistan's competitive edge in the global market, facilitating a robust economic environment for growth.
At the launching ceremony of the new service, held late Wednesday night, Vice Admiral Faisal Abbasi HI (M), SI (M), Commander of Karachi, Pakistan Navy, emphasised that Pakistan is actively seeking international partnerships to enhance and strengthen its maritime activities.
The INX service will ensure the timely and efficient delivery of Pakistani goods to European ports and beyond, he added. Abbasi added, "Our country has an abundance of marine, fisheries, mineral and energy resources that can generate additional revenues. From the perspective of the potential of the Blue Economy, the CPEC is estimated to expand the maritime capabilities of Pakistan manifolds."
The maiden voyage will begin from Karachi, with port rotations including Karachi, Hazira, Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Colombo, London Gateway, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp, before returning to Karachi. The India North Europe Express (INX) will directly link Western India to Northern Europe, operating as a weekly maritime service with an 11-week turnaround (R/V 77 days) using 6,000 TEU container ships.
Yang Jungmo, Commercial Chief Pricing & Marketing for Southwest Asia at HMM, also addressed the audience, underscoring the significance of the INX service for global trade and reaffirming the company's commitment to providing reliable and efficient shipping solutions.