Pakistan Considers Container Vessel to Cut Export Shipping Costs
Pakistan is considering a dedicated container vessel to help exporters manage rising shipping costs and longer delivery times to European and US markets following changes in regional shipping routes.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) could consider leasing or purchasing a container vessel if exporters can provide sufficient cargo volumes to make the operation commercially viable.
Exporters Seek Relief from Higher Transportation Costs
A three-member delegation of exporters met the maritime minister to discuss difficulties caused by changes in regional shipping routes. The exporters said longer routes had increased transportation costs and delivery times for shipments bound for European and US markets.
They also said the longer routes had placed Pakistani exporters at a disadvantage compared with regional competitors that have relatively easier and more direct access to key international markets.
The delegation comprised Shahzad Asghar Ali, CEO of Style Textile; Benedikt Birner, Vice President Global Adidas; and Saqib Rafique, Senior Director, Sourcing Operations at Adidas. PNSC Chief Executive Officer Syed Jarar Haider Kazmi participated in the meeting online.
Read:Pakistan Begins Construction of 1,100-TEU PNSC Container Vessel at Karachi Shipyard
Working Group to Assess Dedicated Shipping Option
Following the meeting, Junaid Chaudhry constituted a working group comprising representatives of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, PNSC and exporters.
The group will examine the feasibility of the proposed container vessel and other measures aimed at improving shipping access for Pakistani exporters and lowering transportation costs.
The participants agreed to assess whether a dedicated vessel could be commercially viable based on available cargo volumes.
The exporter delegation will consult other exporters and submit their proposals to the working group for consideration.
Cargo Volume Key to Vessel Proposal
The proposal does not represent an immediate decision to purchase or lease a vessel. Its viability is linked directly to whether exporters can provide enough cargo to support the operation commercially.
This makes the working group’s assessment important for determining whether a dedicated container shipping arrangement can be sustained. The consultation with additional exporters is expected to provide a broader indication of potential cargo demand.
For Pakistani exporters, the issue is particularly relevant because longer maritime routes can affect freight costs, delivery schedules and access to international markets. A commercially viable shipping arrangement could provide another option for exporters dealing with higher transportation expenses, subject to the outcome of the feasibility assessment.
The initiative therefore focuses on evaluating practical shipping arrangements rather than announcing a confirmed vessel acquisition or lease. The working group will consider the proposal alongside other measures for facilitating Pakistani exports.
Read: PNSC Inaugurates Modern West Wharf Workshop, Strengthening Pakistan’s Maritime Self-Reliance
