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ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan has launched a new feeder service from Karachi Port to Fujairah and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant step towards transshipment capabilities that will improve Pakistani traders’ access to the global maritime network.
Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced in a statement that the Karachi Gateway Terminal (Private) Limited (KGTL) – a major trading partner of the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) – will be supported by a dedicated feeder service connecting Karachi with Fujairah and Khorfakkan.
“A regular shipping service from Karachi Gateway Terminal to Fujairah and Khorfakkan has started. The new feeder service marks an important step towards transshipment,” Chaudhry said. “The first feeder vessel has already arrived at Karachi Gateway Terminal on March 11,” he added.
Chaudhry said the new service establishes a regular maritime link between Karachi and two of the region’s major transshipment hubs, enabling Pakistani importers and exporters to maintain reliable access to global container shipping networks.
“The service will call at KGTL, part of AD Ports Group’s international operating arm, Noatum Ports. The new feeder link supports the continuity of the supply chain through KGTL and helps ensure that Pakistan’s trade maintains reliable access to international markets,” he added.
Fujairah Port is located in Al Fujairah, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, while Khorfakkan is a coastal city and eastern enclave of the Emirate of Sharjah, known for its Hajar Mountains meeting the Gulf of Oman.
Goods transported through Fujairah and Khorfakkan will benefit from seamless connectivity to regional and international transport networks, supported by the UAE’s advanced logistics infrastructure. Containers can be transferred efficiently via integrated road and rail corridors across the UAE.
“The new service is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s supply chain,” Chaudhry said. He lauded the efforts of Khurram Aziz, CEO of KGTL, who reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s maritime trade, the statement said.
“The launch of this feeder service reflects KGTL’s continued commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s maritime connectivity and supporting the country’s business community,” KGTL CEO said, according to the release.
“By connecting Karachi directly to the UAE’s major transshipment hubs, this service provides importers and exporters with reliable access to global shipping networks while strengthening the role of the Karachi Crossing Terminal as a key gateway for international trade,” he added.
Rear Admiral (Retd) Shahid Ahmed, Chairman KPT, welcomed the strengthening of maritime ties between Pakistan and the UAE. “The introduction of this feeder service further enhances the connectivity of Karachi Port with major regional hubs,” he said.
“This meets Pakistan’s growing trade needs,” he added. “Strengthening maritime ties with the UAE will help facilitate the movement of goods while providing greater flexibility to the country’s trading community.”
Federal Minister Junaid Chaudhry concluded by saying that Pakistan’s economy is heavily dependent on maritime trade and stronger connectivity with regional transshipment hubs provides additional resilience to exporters, importers and supply chains.
(WITH INPUT FROM THE APPLICATION)
