Direct shipping connectivity between Karachi and major European ports has been restored, offering relief to Pakistani exporters dealing with longer transit times and rising freight costs caused by disruptions to international shipping routes.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on October 8, 2026, that Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) had reinstated its PREMIUM IPAK service following demand from exporters for a dedicated and direct shipping link to Europe.
MSC Restores Weekly Karachi-Europe Shipping Link
Under the restored service, MSC will make a weekly call at Karachi Gateway Terminal International (KGTI), connecting Karachi with several major European destinations.
The service will connect Pakistan with Colombo and then key European ports including Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Le Havre and London Gateway.
The reinstatement is expected to provide exporters with additional options for planning shipments and accessing important European markets.
Textile Exporters Face Higher Shipping Costs
The restored Europe service comes as Pakistani exporters, particularly textile businesses, have faced higher logistics costs and longer delivery times due to changes in international shipping routes.
Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said textile exporters had recently highlighted difficulties arising from shipping disruptions, particularly those associated with the situation in the Red Sea.
According to the Minister, exporters reported that longer vessel journeys were increasing transportation costs and delivery times for shipments bound for European and US markets.
These additional costs and delays have put pressure on the competitiveness of Pakistani exporters by increasing the overall cost and uncertainty associated with international trade.
Government Engages Shipping Lines Over Connectivity
The Maritime Affairs Ministry has been engaging shipping lines and other relevant stakeholders to address concerns raised by the export sector.
The government aims to improve maritime connectivity, reduce logistical bottlenecks and facilitate the movement of Pakistani goods to international markets.
Junaid Anwar Chaudhry emphasized that reliable and predictable shipping connectivity is important for export-oriented industries and the wider trade sector.
He said the government would continue working to ensure that Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure and services better support international trade.
Restored Service Provides Greater Export Planning Options
The Minister welcomed MSC’s decision to reinstate the PREMIUM IPAK service, noting that the weekly Karachi call would provide exporters with a more direct connection to major European markets.
Improved access to European ports could help businesses plan shipments with greater certainty while offering additional flexibility in managing international supply chains.
The service covers major commercial destinations across Europe, including the UK, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and France.
Shipping Disruptions Continue to Affect Global Trade
Despite the restoration of the service, the government cautioned that the development does not resolve the broader challenges affecting international shipping routes.
Disruptions to established maritime routes continue to influence global trade, shipping schedules and logistics costs.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs said it would continue coordinating with shipping companies and exporters to address connectivity challenges and strengthen Pakistan’s position in international trade.
Government Focuses on Maritime Logistics Efficiency
Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the government remained committed to improving port and shipping services and developing a more efficient maritime logistics system.
The objective is to support exporters, reduce logistical constraints and enhance Pakistan’s trade competitiveness.
The Minister also appreciated the efforts of Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Chairman Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed and the management of Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL) in restoring the shipping connection between Karachi and major European markets.
KPT Seeks Further Improvements in Logistics System
KPT Chairman Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed said measures were being taken to further improve the efficiency of Pakistan’s maritime logistics system.
He said the restored shipping connection would strengthen access from Karachi to key European markets and facilitate Pakistani exporters.
The restoration of the weekly service provides another shipping option for businesses while broader efforts continue to address international route disruptions and improve the efficiency of Pakistan’s export logistics network.