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ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan has launched a new shuttle service from the port of Karachi to Fujairah and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking an important step towards transshipment capabilities that will improve Pakistani traders’ access to the global shipping network.
Minister of Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry in a statement announced that Karachi Gateway Terminal (Private) Limited (KGTL), a major trading partner of Karachi Port Trust (KPT), will be supported by a dedicated shuttle service linking Karachi to Fujairah and Khorfakkan.
“A regular shipping service has started from Karachi Gateway Terminal to Fujairah and Khorfakkan. The new shuttle service marks an important step towards transshipment,” Chaudhry said. “The first feeder ship has already arrived at the 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 major transshipment hubs, allowing 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,” it added.
Fujairah Port is located in Al Fujairah, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, while Khorfakkan is a coastal city and an 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 transferred efficiently through integrated road and rail corridors throughout the UAE.
“The new service is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s supply chain,” Chaudhry said. He praised the efforts of Khurram Aziz, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KGTL, who reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s maritime trade, the statement said.
“The commencement of this shuttle service reflects KGTL’s continued commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s maritime connectivity and supporting the country’s business community,” the KGTL CEO said, according to the statement.
“By linking 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 ties between Pakistan and the UAE. “The introduction of this feeder service further enhances the connectivity of Karachi Port with key regional hubs,” he said.
“It supports Pakistan’s growing trade needs,” he added. “Strengthening maritime links with the UAE will help facilitate smoother cargo movement while providing greater flexibility to the country’s business community.”
Federal Minister Junaid Chaudhry concluded by saying that Pakistan’s economy is highly dependent on maritime trade and greater connectivity to regional transshipment hubs provides additional resilience to exporters, importers and supply chains.
(WITH INPUT FROM THE APP)
