KARACHI: Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Thursday announced fiscal incentives to attract transshipment vessels to Karachi Port, as Islamabad strives to position the port as a regional maritime hub while shipping lines adjust regional routes amid tensions linked to the Iran war.
The Middle East war involving the US, Israel and Iran has pushed up oil and gas prices higher and heightened risks for shipping across Gulf waters. This has prompted logistics companies to reassess routes and rely more heavily on regional hubs outside potential conflict zones.
Karachi Port said last week that two vessels carrying transshipment cargo docked simultaneously there. The port said its simultaneous handling of containers reflected the port’s strong operational capacity, efficient port infrastructure and strategic geographic advantage.
“The new incentive structure provides significant relief in port dues and berthing charges based on performance, effective from March 18, 2026,” Chaudhry said in a statement issued by the maritime affairs ministry.
The minister announced the incentives while chairing a high-level meeting to boost shipping activity and reward environmentally sustainable practices, the ministry said.
