Karachi port begins UAE cargo transhipment amid Strait of Hormuz disruption

Karachi Port has begun handling transhipment cargo destined for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after shipping disruptions in the Gulf linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

According to port officials, large container vessels that typically use regional hub ports have started offloading UAE-bound cargo in Karachi following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and heightened security risks in the region.

Under normal circumstances, major container ships unload cargo at hub ports such as those in the UAE, from where smaller feeder vessels distribute goods to nearby destinations including Pakistan, Central Asia, Afghanistan and parts of East Africa.

However, shipping lines have started diverting shipments to Karachi as a precautionary measure amid the regional crisis.

Two container vessels, MV TS Tacoma and MV TS Sydney, arrived at Karachi port on Friday and unloaded a large number of containers belonging to shipping lines including TS Line, Heung-A, Sinokor and several non-vessel operating common carriers.

The containers will later be shipped onward from Karachi to Jebel Ali in the UAE through feeder services.

Karachi Port Trust Chairman Shahid Ahmed said the port authority is committed to ensuring continuity of regional and international trade operations despite disruptions in the Middle East.

At present, the transhipment cargo is being stored at terminals within Karachi port limits. The Pakistan Ships Agents Association has requested the government to allow the cargo to be moved to off-dock terminals located at Hawkesbay, Mauripur and Port Qasim to manage the expected increase in shipments.

PSAA Chairman Muhammad Rajpar said the current situation suggests that the Strait of Hormuz may remain closed for some time and that the volume of transhipment cargo handled at Karachi port is likely to grow in the coming days.