Karachi regains direct Europe shipping link

Mettis Global reported that Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has reinstated its PREMIUM IPAK service, restoring direct sailings between Karachi and major European ports. The weekly call at Karachi Gateway Terminal International links the port with Colombo, Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Le Havre and London Gateway. The restored link lightens the pressure from lengthy voyage durations and dearer freight for exporters.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said MSC revived the route after exporters pressed for a direct Europe connection. Textile firms recently approached him, citing problems from vessels diverted around the Red Sea situation. He added that longer journeys were raising freight outlays and delivery times to Europe and America, eroding the position of Pakistani exporters. He called the reinstated sailings a significant step for export-focused sectors, textiles in particular.

The minister warned that the revived service does not resolve wider disruption on established shipping routes, which continues to weigh on global trade. The government is taking exporters' grievances to carriers and other parties involved. Karachi Port Trust Chairman Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed said further efficiency measures are under way, and the minister praised port and terminal management for restoring the link.