Karachi regains direct Europe shipping link

October 08, 2026 (MLN): Karachi has regained direct shipping connectivity with major European ports, as Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has reinstated its PREMIUM IPAK service, easing the burden of long transit times and higher freight costs on exporters.

The service will make a weekly call at Karachi Gateway Terminal International (KGTI) and connect Karachi with Colombo, Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Le Havre and London Gateway, said a press release issued.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said on that MSC had revived the service in response to exporters' demand for a direct Europe route.

He said textile exporters had recently met him and flagged difficulties caused by rerouted vessels, particularly because of the Red Sea situation.

 According to the minister, the longer voyages were pushing up transport costs and delivery times for shipments to European and US markets, hurting the competitiveness of Pakistani exporters.

The minister described the restored service as an important development for export-oriented industries, especially textiles. He said it would give exporters a more direct connection to key European markets and more options for planning and moving their cargo.

He cautioned, however, that the reinstatement did not resolve the wider challenges facing international shipping, as disruptions to established routes continue to affect global trade.

He said the government was taking up exporters' concerns with shipping lines and other stakeholders to improve maritime connectivity, reduce logistical bottlenecks and strengthen Pakistan's access to international markets. He added that the government remained committed to improving port and shipping services and building a more efficient maritime logistics system.

Junaid Anwar Chaudhry also commended 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 link.

Shahid Ahmed said measures were under way to further improve the efficiency of the maritime logistics system. He said the restored connection would improve access from Karachi to key European markets and facilitate exporters.

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