Direct shipping service to Europe restored

Dedicated service will cut transit time, logistics costs for exporters

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Thursday said that direct shipping connectivity between Karachi and major European ports had been restored, providing relief to exporters facing longer transit times and increased freight costs due to disruptions in international shipping routes.

In a statement, the minister said Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) had reinstated its Premium Ipak service in response to the demand from exporters for a dedicated and direct European service.

Under the restored service, MSC will make a weekly call at Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL), connecting Karachi with key European destinations through Colombo, Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Le Havre and London Gateway.

"The restoration of a dedicated European 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 had recently apprised him of the difficulties caused by changes in shipping routes, 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 exporters," he said.

The minister stressed that the government was taking up concerns of the export sector with shipping lines and other relevant stakeholders to improve maritime connectivity and facilitate international trade.

"Reliable and predictable shipping connectivity is essential for Pakistan's exporters. Our focus is to ensure that the maritime sector supports trade, reduces logistical bottlenecks and strengthens Pakistan's access to international markets," he remarked.

He welcomed MSC's decision to reinstate the Premium Ipak service, saying the weekly Karachi call would 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 to strengthen Pakistan's position in international trade," he said.

The federal minister lauded efforts of Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Chairman Rear Admiral (Retd) Shahid Ahmed and the management of KGTL for restoring the shipping link between Karachi and European markets.

KPT chairman said measures were underway to further improve the efficiency of the maritime logistics system. He said the restored shipping connection would improve access from Karachi to key European markets and facilitate the country's exporters.