Karachi-Europe Direct Shipping Link Restored for Exporters

Pakistan’s direct shipping connection between Karachi and major European ports has been restored, offering relief to exporters who have been facing longer transit periods and higher freight costs because of disruptions on international sea routes. The announcement was made in Islamabad by Federal Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, who said the restored service would strengthen the country’s trade connectivity.

The development centres on the reinstatement of a dedicated Europe-bound service by the Mediterranean Shipping Company. According to the minister, the service has been resumed in response to exporters’ demand for a direct route that can reduce delays and provide more predictable movement of cargo from Pakistan to overseas markets.

Under the restored arrangement, weekly calls will be made at Karachi Gateway Terminal International. The service will connect Karachi with several major European destinations, including Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Le Havre and London Gateway through Colombo.

The minister said Pakistan had now gained a more active role in transshipment activity, adding that Karachi’s port operations were becoming increasingly important for regional trade movement. He described the restoration of the dedicated service as a significant development for export-led sectors that rely on timely access to international markets.

Textile exporters are expected to be among the main beneficiaries. The textile sector has been under pressure from rising logistics expenses and extended delivery timelines, particularly after global shipping disruptions linked to instability around the Red Sea forced changes in traditional routes.

Exporters had previously warned that longer journeys were increasing transportation costs and affecting delivery schedules for shipments headed to Europe and the United States. These delays and added costs have weakened competitiveness at a time when Pakistani exporters are already dealing with tight margins and demanding overseas buyers.

The restored route is expected to give businesses more options for planning shipments and managing supply chains. Faster and more reliable connectivity with European ports can help exporters improve delivery commitments, reduce uncertainty and support Pakistan’s broader trade performance.

Officials also discussed reforms to improve cargo handling and clearance. Proposals included electronic delivery orders, round-the-clock operations, risk-based inspections, non-intrusive scanning, joint inspections and common sampling to reduce bottlenecks at ports.

The minister cautioned that the restored service does not fully solve the wider disruption affecting international shipping. He said authorities would continue working with shipping companies and exporters to address logistics issues and strengthen Pakistan’s position in global trade.