MSC restores Karachi-Europe shipping link amid exporter concerns over freight costs

Business Recorder reported that Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Thursday that Karachi once again has a direct shipping route to several European harbours. The restoration follows a decision by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) to bring back its PREMIUM IPAK service, which will call at Karachi Gateway Terminal International once a week. The route links Karachi with European stops such as Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Felixstowe and London Gateway.

Exporters had complained of longer transit times and higher freight bills after changes to international shipping routes, particularly those linked to the Red Sea situation, the minister said. He quoted textile exporters who told him that longer voyages were raising costs and delivery delays for shipments to Europe and the United States. Chaudhry said the government is raising these concerns with shipping lines and other stakeholders.

The minister cautioned that the restored service should not be seen as a fix for wider problems on global shipping routes. KPT Chairman Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed said work is progressing to make the maritime logistics system more efficient. Chaudhry also credited Karachi Port Trust and Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited with restoring the link.