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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 trans-shipment capabilities that will improve Pakistani traders’ access to the global shipping network.
Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced in a statement that the Karachi Gateway Terminal (Private) Limited (KGTL) – a major business partner of the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) – will be supported by a dedicated feeder service linking Karachi with Fujairah and Khorfakkan.
“A regular shipping service from Karachi Gateway Terminal to Fujairah and Khorfakkan has begun. The new feeder service marks an important step towards trans-shipment,” 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 key trans-shipment 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 dependable access to international markets,” he added.
Fujairah Port is located in Al Fujairah, one of the seven emirates of the UAE, while Khorfakkan is a coastal city and eastern exclave of the emirate of Sharjah, known for its Hajar Mountains meeting 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 commended the efforts of Khurram Aziz, the chief executive officer (CEO) of KGTL, which reaffirmed its 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,” the KGTL CEO said, according to the statement.
“By linking Karachi directly with major UAE trans-shipment hubs, this service provides importers and exporters with reliable access to global shipping networks while reinforcing the role of Karachi Gateway Terminal as a key gateway for international trade,” he added.
KPT Chairman Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed welcomed the strengthening of maritime links between Pakistan and the 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 UAE will help facilitate smoother cargo movement while providing greater flexibility for the country’s trading community.”
Federal Minister Junaid Chaudhry concluded by saying that Pakistan’s economy relies heavily on maritime trade, and stronger connectivity with regional trans-shipment hubs provides additional resilience for exporters, importers and supply chains.
(WITH INPUT FROM APP)
