MSC reinstates weekly PREMIUM IPAK service from Karachi, offering exporters improved access to key European markets and more predictable shipping options.
Pakistan has restored direct shipping connectivity between Karachi and major European ports, providing relief to exporters facing longer transit times and higher freight costs amid disruptions to international shipping routes.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said on Thursday that Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) had reinstated its PREMIUM IPAK service following demands from exporters for a dedicated and direct Europe shipping route.
Under the restored service, MSC will make a weekly call at Karachi Gateway Terminal International (KGTI), connecting Karachi with major European destinations including Colombo, Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Le Havre and London Gateway.
The minister said the restoration of a dedicated Europe service was particularly important for export-oriented industries, especially the textile sector, which has faced increased transit times and logistics costs due to disruptions to established international shipping routes.
Textile exporters had recently raised concerns with the minister over changes in shipping routes, particularly those linked to the situation in the Red Sea. According to the minister, exporters reported that longer vessel journeys were increasing transportation costs and delivery times for shipments destined for European and US markets, affecting the competitiveness of Pakistani exporters.
Chaudhry said the government was engaging shipping lines and other relevant stakeholders to address concerns of the export sector, improve maritime connectivity and facilitate international trade.
He said reliable and predictable shipping connectivity was essential for exporters and that the government’s focus was on reducing logistical bottlenecks and strengthening Pakistan’s access to international markets.
Welcoming MSC’s decision, the minister said the weekly Karachi call would provide exporters with a more direct connection to important European markets and give businesses greater flexibility in planning and moving shipments.
However, he cautioned that reinstatement of the service should not be considered a solution to the broader challenges affecting international shipping routes. Disruptions to established routes continue to affect global trade, he said, adding that the government would continue working with the shipping industry and exporters to address connectivity and logistics issues.
Chaudhry also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving port and shipping services and developing a more efficient maritime logistics system to enhance Pakistan’s trade competitiveness.
The minister appreciated Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Chairman Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed and the management of Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL) for their efforts in restoring the shipping link between Karachi and major European markets.
KPT Chairman Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed said measures were also being taken to further improve the efficiency of the maritime logistics system. He said the restored connection would improve access to key European markets and facilitate Pakistani exporters.