Karachi Port receives first dedicated transhipment vessel, expands cargo handling scope

Karachi Port Trust has berthed its first fully dedicated transhipment cargo vessel, MV Erlin, at Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL), marking a shift in the port’s operations beyond container-based transhipment.

The vessel carried a mix of general cargo, bulk, breakbulk cargo and vehicles, including steel coils and buses destined for multiple international markets.

Officials said Karachi Port had previously handled only container transhipment, and the arrival of a vessel carrying diverse cargo types reflects an expansion in capability to process a wider range of transit and transhipment goods.

Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the development follows recent reforms aimed at improving port efficiency, trade competitiveness and business activity.

The increase in transhipment activity comes amid disruptions in regional shipping routes after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the February 28 escalation involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Cargo previously routed through major hubs such as Jebel Ali and Khalifa ports has been redirected to alternative locations, including ports in Pakistan, Oman, India and Sri Lanka.

Officials said government concessions on port charges and tax measures have also contributed to increased traffic. Karachi Port handled around 11,000 containers in March, while Port Qasim processed 3,485 containers and Gwadar Port managed its first dedicated transhipment operations.

Authorities said the latest development supports efforts to position Karachi Port as a regional hub connecting global trade routes.