Direct Europe Shipping Service Restored to Support Pakistan Exporters: Junaid Anwar Chaudhry
Direct shipping connectivity between Karachi and major European ports has been restored, offering relief to Pakistani 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 Thursday.
The restoration of Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) PREMIUM IPAK service is expected to strengthen maritime connectivity, improve access to European markets and give export-oriented industries more predictable shipping and logistics options. The development is particularly significant for Pakistan’s textile sector, which has faced rising transportation costs and delivery delays following changes to international shipping routes.
MSC Restores Weekly Karachi-Europe Connection
According to the minister, MSC reinstated the PREMIUM IPAK service in response to exporters’ demand for a dedicated and direct Europe shipping service.
Under the restored arrangement, MSC will make a weekly call at Karachi Gateway Terminal International (KGTI), connecting Karachi with major European destinations through Colombo, Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Le Havre and London Gateway.
The renewed service provides exporters with an additional option for planning shipments to key European markets and is intended to improve the predictability of international cargo movement.
Exporters Face Higher Costs Amid Route Disruptions
Chaudhry said textile exporters had recently raised concerns about the impact of changing shipping routes, particularly those associated with the situation in the Red Sea.
According to the minister, exporters reported that longer vessel journeys were increasing transportation costs and extending delivery times for shipments bound for European and US markets. These additional logistics pressures have affected the competitiveness of Pakistani exporters.
The government, he said, is engaging with shipping lines and other relevant stakeholders to address concerns from the export sector and improve Pakistan’s maritime connectivity.
“Reliable and predictable shipping connectivity is essential for Pakistan’s exporters,” the minister said, adding that the government’s focus was on reducing logistical bottlenecks and strengthening access to international markets.
Connectivity Matters for Export Competitiveness
The restoration of a dedicated Europe service highlights the importance of reliable maritime logistics to Pakistan’s export competitiveness. For industries operating on tight delivery schedules, direct and predictable vessel connections can help exporters manage freight planning, inventory movement and delivery commitments more effectively.
However, the reinstatement of the PREMIUM IPAK service does not remove the wider risks affecting international shipping. Changes in established routes can continue to influence freight rates, transit times, supply chains and international trade, making resilient maritime connectivity increasingly important for export-oriented economies.
Government Welcomes Restored Shipping Link
Chaudhry welcomed MSC’s decision to reinstate the service, saying the weekly Karachi call would provide exporters with greater access to important European markets and additional options for moving cargo.
He also stressed that the restored connection should not be regarded as a complete solution to the broader challenges facing global shipping routes.
“Disruptions to established shipping routes continue to have implications for global trade,” the minister said, adding that the government would continue working with the shipping industry and exporters to address connectivity and logistics challenges.
The federal minister said the government remained committed to improving port and shipping services and developing a more efficient maritime logistics system to support exporters and strengthen Pakistan’s position in international trade.
KPT and KGTL Efforts Acknowledged
The minister also praised 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 underway to further improve the efficiency of Pakistan’s maritime logistics system.
He added that the restored shipping connection would strengthen access from Karachi to key European markets and facilitate the country’s exporters.
