KARACHI: Karachi port is maintaining “strong operational momentum” by handling tens of thousands of tons of cargo daily, the country’s maritime affairs minister said on Sunday, amid widespread disruptions due to the United States (US) war on Iran.
Pakistan has seen a surge in port activity as vessels divert from Gulf transshipment hubs due to disruptions caused by the US-Iran war and Tehran’s counterattacks on Israel as well as US and commercial interests in the Gulf, with cargo volumes rising sharply at key Pakistani ports.
Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry emphasized the Karachi Port Trust’s role in global supply chains, noting that over the past 24 hours ending on Saturday, the port had handled 74,603 metric tons of cargo, including 45,171 tons of containerized cargo, 11,944 tons of bulk cargo, 6,114 tons of clinker exports, and 10,352 tons of liquid cargo.
“Consistent vessel movements and efficient cargo handling reflect KPT’s reliability in supporting Pakistan’s maritime trade and energy supply chains,” the minister said in a statement, adding that another 19 vessels were scheduled to arrive on Sunday.
Pakistan has sought to leverage the Iran war and its related marine disruptions to its advantage by aiming to position itself as a transshipment hub. Vessels, mostly carrying containerized cargo, are being diverted from major Gulf transshipment hubs including Jebel Ali, Fujairah and Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates and Salalah in Oman, according to officials.
The South Asian country was already working to upgrade its ports along the Arabian Sea while marketing them to landlocked Central Asian states as gateways for international trade when the United States and Israel started targeting Iran.
Late last month, the maritime affairs minister announced storage charge waivers, ranging from 25 to 50 percent, at KPT terminals to facilitate exporters and importers, amid the disruptions.
“The waivers aim to reduce financial pressure on importers and exporters, clear pending consignments, and boost cargo clearance efficiency,” Chaudhry was quoted as saying by his ministry.
