Pakistan receives first RoRo shipment carrying over 2,000 electric vehicles

Pakistan received its first Roll-on/Roll-off shipment on Friday as M.V. Grande Shanghai, carrying more than 2,000 electric vehicles, berthed at Karachi Port.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the 220-metre vessel docked at the Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose Limited terminal operated at Karachi Port Trust.

The shipment followed the minister’s approval last month for the transportation of electric vehicles through RoRo vessels during a meeting of a committee on maritime issues.

Unlike conventional cargo ships, RoRo vessels allow wheeled cargo to be driven directly on and off the ship, reducing handling time while improving operational safety and port efficiency.

The maritime affairs minister said the vessel’s handling demonstrated Karachi Port’s ability to accommodate specialised cargo operations in line with international standards.

He added that the shipment would support Pakistan’s integration into global clean-mobility and sustainable transport supply chains.

The minister said the government would continue supporting measures to modernise port operations, strengthen the maritime sector and improve Pakistan’s connectivity with international shipping networks.