MSC Europe service from 26th

Dawn reported that a new direct Europe service run by MSC will begin on October 26. KPT chairman retired Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed made the announcement at a Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry meeting on Monday, adding that the port trust hopes to double its direct sailings by December, reducing reliance on transshipment.

He estimated that smoother vessel operations could save Rs30-40 billion a year, with unloading time cut from seven days to between 1 and 1.5 days. More than 160 ships have already used bunkering, an activity he projects will rise above Rs300 billion a year within two to three years.

The port trust is committing Rs2-2.5 billion to AI-based operations, automation and digital systems. Connectivity schemes covering Shahrah-i-Bhutto, the KPT-Pipri Freight Corridor and the M-10 link are also moving ahead, aimed at reducing congestion.