Pakistan greenlights transshipment boost, sets sights on maritime energy city

The federal government has approved a series of initiatives to strengthen Pakistan’s maritime sector, aiming to make the country a competitive transshipment hub, officials said on Thursday.

The approvals follow recommendations from a high-level committee led by Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in response to regional security disruptions following the US-Israeli attack on Iran.

Key transshipment measures include handling bulk and break-bulk cargo such as grains, coal, minerals, and project goods, expected to improve port throughput, attract new shipping lines, and facilitate regional trade.

The government also approved the use of specialised roll-on/roll-off vessels for vehicles, including cars and SUVs, which officials say will streamline automotive logistics and reduce handling times in regional distribution networks.

Handling of less-than-container-load (LCL) cargo under transshipment operations will be permitted, enabling consolidation and redistribution of smaller consignments, giving traders and global freight forwarders more flexibility.

Maritime Affairs Minister Chaudhry told Dawn that these steps aim to diversify cargo handling, expand operational flexibility, and capture a larger share of regional transshipment traffic. He said the initiatives are expected to boost port revenues, generate jobs in logistics and allied sectors, and enhance Pakistan’s integration into global supply chains.

Separately, the government is moving forward with plans for the Pakistan Maritime Energy City (PMEC), a dedicated facility for storage and re-export of oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The energy city will be linked to port infrastructure and is intended to meet domestic and international energy storage needs.

A high-level committee under the Maritime Affairs Ministry has begun identifying suitable land for PMEC and preparing a detailed development plan, with consultations planned with provincial governments before the project is formally launched.

Officials said the transshipment initiatives and the energy city together are expected to strengthen Pakistan’s strategic maritime footprint, enhance competitiveness, and increase the country’s appeal to international shipping and energy stakeholders.