Islamabad, March 28, 2026 – Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has announced significant progress in Pakistan’s transshipment sector, highlighting enhanced operations at the Port Qasim Authority (PQA).
According to official details, the Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT) handled a total of 3,485 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) through two vessels, signaling growing momentum in port activity. The container vessel Northern Guard, which berthed on March 23, processed 3,180 TEUs of transshipment cargo, while Nagoya Express contributed an additional 305 TEUs during the same period.
In addition to transshipment operations, overall container handling at the port remained strong. Imports reached 21,537 TEUs, while exports stood at 29,467 TEUs, reflecting robust trade flows and increased shipping activity at Port Qasim.
The minister emphasized that PQA currently maintains an on-dock transshipment capacity of approximately 5,100 TEUs. This includes around 5,000 TEUs at the QICT yard and an additional 3,000 TEUs at the TSA-A storage area, ensuring sufficient infrastructure to accommodate rising cargo volumes.
To attract international shipping lines, PQA has introduced a series of tariff incentives. These include zero wharfage charges on transshipment cargo and reductions in wet charges such as pilotage and port dues. Vessels carrying 50% or more transshipment cargo are eligible for a 50% discount, while those with 25–50% cargo receive a 25% concession.
These initiatives are part of the government’s broader strategy to position Pakistan as a competitive regional transshipment hub by improving efficiency and lowering operational costs.
Meanwhile, transshipment activity is also expanding at Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL), which is handling additional cargo from the vessel DP World Chennai. Officials noted that enhanced performance at Karachi Port continues to strengthen Pakistan’s reputation in global maritime trade.