Pakistan offers port terminal slots to ships delayed by Gulf tensions, eyes transshipment gains

Pakistan has decided to provide on-dock and off-dock terminal facilities to vessels delayed at sea as shipping routes face disruption due to the Middle East conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, The Express Tribune reported, citing sources. 

The sources said that around 50,000 import and export containers are stuck offshore because of tensions in the Gulf region, and that the government is working on measures to clear the backlog.

Pakistan currently has 23 shipping lines that offer on-dock and off-dock terminal services, the sources said. They added that on-dock handling is easier to expand because scanning and other required systems are already available at the port terminals, while off-dock support can be harder due to distance from the waterfront terminals.

According to the sources, Karachi Port Trust has already allotted a terminal to two vessels that were delayed at sea, and another ship is expected to arrive shortly. They said authorities also see the situation as a potential opportunity to generate port-related revenue.

The move was discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Thursday, which reviewed emerging logistical risks for Pakistan’s trade, including energy-related cargoes, amid shifting global routes and disruption at key waterways.

Earlier, an 11-member committee formed on the prime minister’s directives has been tasked with submitting recommendations within two days on a broader response strategy to safeguard maritime trade interests.

The chairmen of Port Qasim Authority, Karachi Port Trust and Gwadar Port Authority joined the meeting virtually and briefed participants on operational readiness, including capacity for container transshipment, bulk cargo handling and refuelling services.