Pakistan Explores Dedicated Container Vessel for Exporters
Pakistan is examining the possibility of using a dedicated container vessel through the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) to help exporters manage rising freight costs and longer shipping times to Europe and the United States.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting between Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and a three-member delegation representing the textile and apparel industry.
Exporters told the minister that changes in shipping routes have increased transportation costs and extended delivery times for Pakistani goods reaching international buyers.
Exporters Highlight Rising Freight Costs and Longer Routes
The delegation included Shahzad Asghar Ali, chief executive of Style Textile; Benedikt Birner, vice president at Global Adidas; and Saqib Rafique, senior director for sourcing operations at Adidas.
PNSC Chief Executive Syed Jarar Haider Kazmi also participated in the meeting online.
The exporters said longer sailing routes have placed additional pressure on Pakistani suppliers competing with regional exporters that continue to have relatively direct access to European and US markets.
For industries such as textiles and apparel, higher freight costs can affect the competitiveness of products even before shipments reach their final destinations.
PNSC May Lease or Purchase Container Ship
Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said PNSC could potentially lease or purchase a container vessel to support exporters and reduce shipping costs.
However, the proposal depends on securing sufficient cargo volumes to ensure that such a service remains commercially viable.
The dedicated vessel is therefore being considered as an option rather than an approved vessel purchase or an existing service. The government will first assess whether enough export cargo can support the operation.
Working Group Formed to Examine Shipping Proposal
Following the meeting, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs formed a working group comprising representatives from the ministry, PNSC and exporters.
The group will examine options for improving Pakistan’s shipping connectivity and providing exporters with more efficient access to international markets.
The feasibility of operating a dedicated container vessel will be among the options considered, alongside other measures aimed at reducing transportation costs and improving the reliability of export routes.
Exporters to Consult Wider Industry
The delegation will also consult other exporters and present additional proposals to the working group.
Broader industry input is expected to help determine the volume of cargo that could potentially be committed to a dedicated shipping service and what arrangements would be required to make transportation more efficient.
For Pakistan’s export-oriented industries, freight has become an increasingly important component of international competitiveness. Longer routes and higher transportation costs can reduce the price advantage of local suppliers in overseas markets.
Cargo Volume Will Determine Viability
A dedicated PNSC container vessel could potentially provide exporters with another shipping option, but its commercial viability will depend heavily on cargo volumes.
The working group will now assess whether sufficient export demand exists to support such a service and identify the arrangements needed to make shipping connectivity more cost-effective.