Gwadar sees transhipment surge as Strait of Hormuz disruptions shift cargo routes

Gwadar Port has begun witnessing increased transhipment activity as global shipping routes shift due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, with cargo flows increasingly diverting towards Pakistan.

According to port officials, Gwadar recently berthed a vessel carrying transhipment cargo, marking the port’s entry into the regional transhipment network. Shipping lines are exploring alternative routes amid tensions in the Gulf, with Pakistan’s ports benefiting from the shift.

Industry representatives said cargo volumes have also risen at Karachi Port and Port Qasim. Around 11,000 transhipment containers were handled at Karachi Port in March 2026, compared to about 8,300 containers during the entire year of 2025. At Port Qasim, daily container handling exceeded 900 units, with total volumes reaching around 4,000 TEUs.

Stakeholders attributed the increase to geopolitical developments involving Iran, Israel and the United States, which have disrupted traditional shipping routes and increased risks in the region. Shipping disruptions in Dubai have also contributed to the diversion of cargo to Pakistan.

Officials said recent policy measures have supported the increase in activity, including changes to customs procedures, expansion of temporary storage and faster clearance systems. Off-dock terminals have been authorised to handle transhipment, while port transport charges have been reduced and export facilitation desks activated.

The Federal Board of Revenue has also revised transhipment procedures and authorised additional storage space at Port Qasim to support cargo handling.

Industry leaders said Gwadar’s strategic location and infrastructure provide potential for growth, although volumes are still building. They added that maintaining momentum would require improvements in infrastructure, port charges, security and digital systems.

Stakeholders said sustained coordination between the government and private sector would be necessary to ensure long-term gains from the current shift in global shipping patterns.