Pakistan has re-launched a weekly direct maritime transport service from Karachi port to seven European ports. Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Pakistan's Minister of Maritime Affairs, announced this news on Thursday, stating that this move will help improve access to a major export market for textile producers and other businesses.
Reasons for the revival of the maritime transport service
This revival comes at a time when Pakistan is looking to strengthen its exports and improve its commercial logistics, especially in the face of rising transportation costs and disruptions in global transport routes. Direct maritime connections can help exporters reduce their reliance on transport through intermediary ports, which can improve delivery scheduling and the reliability of shipments to European buyers.
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Details of the new service
Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced that Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has re-launched its I-Pak service, establishing weekly connections between Karachi Gateway Terminal and seven European ports. The minister described the revival of direct maritime connections with Europe as a significant development for Pakistan's export industry, especially for textile producers who need predictable schedules to meet foreign orders.
Chaudhry also appreciated the efforts of the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and the management of Karachi Gateway Terminal (KGTL) in facilitating the revival of this service. The chairman of KPT, Admiral (Retd) Shahid Ahmed, stated that efforts are ongoing to make Pakistan's maritime logistics system more efficient and improve connections between Karachi and major European markets.
This development is of great importance to Pakistan, as the European Union is one of the largest export destinations for the country, with trade data indicating that about 29 percent of Pakistan's total exports in 2025 will be directed to this market. Textiles and apparel account for nearly three-quarters of Pakistan's exports to the European Union, making reliable transport connections crucial for an industry that relies on timely deliveries to international retailers.
Pakistan also benefits from the European Union's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP+), which allows a range of Pakistani products, including textiles and apparel, to enter European markets duty-free or at reduced tariffs. These preferential arrangements have helped Pakistan increase its share in the European market, but exporters still face challenges including high costs, energy prices, and logistical constraints.
Pakistan is working to modernize its ports and improve maritime connections as part of broader efforts to boost exports, attract investment, and strengthen its position in regional and international trade.
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