Karachi has regained a direct maritime connection with major European ports after Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) reinstated its PREMIUM IPAK service, providing Pakistani exporters with a more direct route for moving cargo to key European markets. The restored service is expected to help address some of the logistical difficulties faced by exporters following disruptions to established international shipping routes, which had resulted in longer transit times and increased freight costs. The development is particularly relevant for export-oriented sectors such as textiles, where timely delivery and competitive transportation costs play an important role in maintaining access to overseas markets.
Under the reinstated service, MSC will make a weekly call at Karachi Gateway Terminal International (KGTI), connecting Karachi with a number of major international ports. The service will link Pakistan’s commercial hub with Colombo as well as Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Le Havre and London Gateway in Europe. The renewed connection provides exporters with a direct shipping option to several important European destinations and is expected to give businesses greater flexibility when planning international cargo movements.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said MSC revived the PREMIUM IPAK service in response to demands from Pakistani exporters for a direct Europe shipping route. He said textile exporters had recently approached him over difficulties created by rerouted vessels, particularly amid continuing disruptions linked to the Red Sea situation. According to the minister, changes to established shipping routes had forced vessels to undertake longer voyages, increasing transportation expenses and extending delivery schedules for shipments destined for European and US markets. These additional logistical pressures have affected the competitiveness of Pakistani exporters by raising the cost and time required to move goods to international customers.
The minister described the restoration of the service as an important development for export-oriented industries, particularly Pakistan’s textile sector. A more direct connection with major European ports can provide exporters with additional options for cargo planning and help them manage international shipments more efficiently. For businesses operating on tight delivery schedules, access to a regular maritime connection can also provide greater predictability when arranging export consignments. The restored service therefore adds another shipping option for Pakistani companies seeking to maintain trade links with European buyers despite wider disruptions affecting global maritime routes.
However, Chaudhry cautioned that the reinstatement of the PREMIUM IPAK service does not eliminate the broader challenges facing international shipping. Disruptions to established maritime routes continue to influence global trade, with changes in vessel routing capable of affecting transit schedules, freight costs and supply chains across different markets. The government, he said, is continuing to raise exporters’ concerns with shipping lines and other relevant stakeholders in an effort to improve maritime connectivity, address logistical bottlenecks and strengthen Pakistan’s access to international markets.
The minister also said the government remains focused on improving port and shipping services as part of efforts to develop a more efficient maritime logistics system. Better maritime connectivity is considered important for Pakistan’s export sector because shipping remains a central component of the country’s international trade network. Improving the availability and efficiency of direct routes could help exporters manage transportation requirements while providing businesses with more options when selecting routes for shipments to major global markets.
Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry also commended Karachi Port Trust Chairman Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed and the management of Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL) for their efforts in restoring the European shipping link. Shahid Ahmed said further measures were being undertaken to improve the efficiency of the maritime logistics system. He said the restored connection would improve access between Karachi and key European markets while facilitating exporters. The reinstatement of the weekly service consequently marks a renewed connection between Karachi and several major European ports at a time when Pakistani exporters continue to face higher logistics pressures and disruptions across international shipping routes.
Follow the PakBanker Whatsapp Channel for updates across Pakistan’s banking ecosystem.