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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 an important step towards transhipment capabilities that will improve Pakistani traders’ access to the global shipping network.
Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced in a statement that Karachi Gateway Terminal (Private) Limited (KGTL) – a major business partner of 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 transhipment,” Chaudhry said. “The first feeder ship has already arrived at Karachi Gateway Terminal on March 11,” he added.
Chaudhry said the new service establishes a regular shipping link between Karachi and two of the region’s main 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 supply chain continuity through KGTL and helps ensure 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 town and eastern exclave of the emirate of Sharjah, known for its Hajar Mountains that meet the Gulf of Oman.
Cargo routed through Fujairah and Khorfakkan will benefit from seamless connectivity to regional and international shipping networks, supported by the UAE’s advanced logistics infrastructure. Containers can be efficiently transferred through 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, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KGTL, who reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s maritime trade, the statement said.
“The commencement of this feeder service reflects KGTL’s continued commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s maritime connectivity and supporting the country’s trading community,” KGTL’s CEO said, according to the statement.
“By connecting Karachi directly to major transshipment hubs in the UAE, this service provides importers and exporters with reliable access to global shipping networks, while reinforcing Karachi Gateway Terminal’s role as a key gateway for international trade,” he added.
KPT Chairman Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed welcomed the strengthening of maritime relations between Pakistan and UAE. “The introduction of this feeder service further enhances Karachi Port’s connectivity with key regional hubs,” he said.
“It supports Pakistan’s growing trade requirements,” he added. “Strengthening maritime links with the United Arab Emirates will help facilitate smoother movement of goods while providing greater flexibility for 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 added resilience for exporters, importers and supply chains.
(WITH ACCESS FROM APP)
