The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, officially announced on Friday the inauguration of a new feeder shipping service that will connect Karachi Port with key ports in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This strategic development marks a significant advancement in Pakistan’s transshipment capabilities, aiming to strengthen the country’s position in regional and global maritime trade networks.
In his detailed statement, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry highlighted the pivotal role of Karachi Gateway Terminal (Private) Limited (KGTL), a principal business partner of Karachi Port Trust (KPT), in this initiative. The new feeder service will establish a direct and dedicated maritime link between Karachi and the UAE’s prominent ports of Fujairah and Khor Fakkan. This connection is expected to enhance maritime connectivity for Pakistan’s exporters and importers, especially amid the rapidly changing dynamics of regional shipping routes and logistics.
The minister emphasized that this feeder service creates a consistent and reliable shipping corridor, facilitating smoother and more efficient cargo movement between Pakistan and the UAE’s major transshipment hubs. Such connectivity is crucial for Pakistani businesses to maintain uninterrupted access to international container shipping networks, which are vital for the country’s trade competitiveness. The first vessel under this new service arrived at KGTL on the evening of March 11, officially signaling the commencement of regular operations.
KGTL operates as part of the AD Ports Group’s international division, Noatum Ports, which brings extensive experience in global port management. The integration of this feeder service with KGTL’s operations will support the continuity of supply chains and ensure that Pakistan’s trade routes remain resilient and dependable. Cargo routed through Fujairah and Khor Fakkan will benefit from the UAE’s sophisticated logistics infrastructure, which includes seamless connectivity to regional and global shipping lines.
Moreover, containers transported via these UAE ports can be efficiently moved through integrated road and rail networks to major commercial centers and logistics hubs across the Emirates, further facilitating swift distribution. This logistical advantage is expected to reduce transit times and costs, thereby benefiting Pakistani traders and businesses engaged in import-export activities.
Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed (Retd.), Chairman of Karachi Port Trust, expressed strong support for the new feeder service, noting that it significantly enhances Karachi Port’s connectivity with vital regional maritime hubs. He underscored that this initiative aligns with Pakistan’s growing trade demands and the government’s vision to modernize and expand the country’s maritime infrastructure. Strengthening ties with the UAE’s ports will provide Pakistani exporters and importers with greater flexibility and efficiency in cargo handling and shipping schedules.
Khurram Aziz Khan, Chief Executive Officer of Karachi Gateway Terminal (Private) Limited, also commented on the launch, stating that the new feeder service underscores KGTL’s ongoing dedication to bolstering Pakistan’s maritime trade links. By directly connecting Karachi with major UAE transshipment centers, the service offers reliable access to global shipping networks, reinforcing KGTL’s role as a critical gateway for international commerce.
Concluding his remarks, Federal Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry reiterated the importance of maritime trade to Pakistan’s economy. He pointed out that enhancing connectivity with regional transshipment hubs not only strengthens the resilience of Pakistan’s export and import sectors but also supports the broader supply chain infrastructure. This feeder service is expected to play a key role in sustaining and expanding Pakistan’s trade footprint in the region and beyond.
