Direct shipping service to Europe restored

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Thursday that direct shipping links between Karachi and major European ports have been re-established, according to The Express Tribune. The move follows a statement that Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) brought back its Premium Ipak service, a dedicated European route responding to exporter demand. Under the revived arrangement, MSC will call at Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL) once a week.

The weekly calls will connect Karachi with Colombo, Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Le Havre and London Gateway. Exporters had complained of longer transit times and higher freight costs following route changes linked to the Red Sea situation. The minister singled out the textile sector and said the government is raising exporters' concerns with shipping lines and other stakeholders.

The minister cautioned that the reinstated service does not resolve wider disruptions to international shipping routes. Karachi Port Trust chairman Rear Admiral (Retd) Shahid Ahmed and KGTL management were credited with restoring the link, and further steps to improve logistics efficiency are under way. Reliable connectivity, the minister said, is essential for exporters seeking access to international markets.