KARACHI: Pakistan is stepping up efforts to position its ports as regional transshipment hubs, with Port Qasim Authority handling 3,485 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of transshipment cargo across two vessels, Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said on Saturday.
The Qasim International Container Terminal processed 3,180 TEUs from the Northern Guard, which berthed on March 23, while the Nagoya Express handled a further 305 TEUs, according to details shared by the minister.
Pakistan is offering financial incentives to draw more transshipment business, including zero wharfage charges and discounted port dues. Vessels carrying at least 50 per cent transshipment cargo qualify for a 50 per cent reduction in charges, while those with 25 per cent to 50 per cent cargo receive a 25 per cent concession.
The uptick in transshipment activity comes alongside strong regular container volumes at the port, with imports reaching 21,537 TEUs and exports totalling 29,467 TEUs, underscoring steady trade flows.
Port Qasim’s current on-dock capacity stands at about 5,100 TEUs, supported by an additional 5,000 TEUs at the QICT yard and 3,000 TEUs at the authority’s TSA-A area, providing room for higher cargo volumes.
The measures form part of a broader government strategy to cut costs, improve efficiency and attract international shipping lines, as Pakistan seeks to compete with established regional hubs.
Separately, Karachi Gateway Terminal Ltd is handling additional transshipment cargo from the vessel DP World Chennai, highlighting growing activity at Karachi Port. The minister said improved turnaround times and operational efficiency are helping build confidence among global shipping operators.
