Karachi has regained a direct shipping connection with major European markets after Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) reinstated its PREMIUM IPAK service.
The weekly service will call at Karachi Gateway Terminal International (KGTI) and connect Karachi with several key European ports. These include Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Le Havre and London Gateway, with Colombo also included in the route.
The development could ease pressure on Pakistani exporters who have faced longer journeys and higher freight costs because of disruptions to established shipping routes.
MSC Restores Weekly Europe Service
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry welcomed MSC’s decision to restore the PREMIUM IPAK service. He said exporters had called for a direct route to Europe after rerouted vessels increased transportation costs and delivery times.
Textile exporters recently raised these concerns with the minister. They highlighted difficulties caused by changes in regional shipping routes, particularly those linked to the Red Sea situation.
The longer journeys have placed additional pressure on exporters serving European and US markets. Consequently, higher logistics costs can affect the competitiveness of Pakistani businesses.
Textile Exporters Could Benefit
The restored connection could provide textile exporters with a more direct route to important European markets. It can also give businesses more options when planning shipments and managing delivery schedules. More predictable shipping links can help exporters plan their international orders with greater certainty.
The government has recently been examining other measures to address exporters’ shipping concerns. Earlier this month, the maritime ministry formed a working group to assess options for improving connectivity and reducing transportation costs.
Shipping Disruptions Still Pose Challenges
Despite the restored service, the government has cautioned that wider international shipping problems remain. Regional disruptions have forced shipping companies to alter established routes. In some cases, longer journeys have increased both operating expenses and delivery times.
Therefore, restoring a direct Europe service is an important step, but it does not remove the broader risks facing global maritime trade.
The government says it will continue working with shipping lines, exporters and other stakeholders to reduce logistical bottlenecks and strengthen Pakistan’s access to international markets.
Karachi Strengthens Its Maritime Connectivity
Junaid Anwar Chaudhry also praised Karachi Port Trust Chairman Rear Admiral (retd) Shahid Ahmed and the management of Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited for their efforts to restore the Europe connection.
Shahid Ahmed said further measures were underway to improve maritime logistics efficiency. He added that the restored service would strengthen Karachi’s access to European markets and support Pakistani exporters.
The development comes as Pakistan seeks stronger maritime links to support international trade. Karachi Port’s liner shipping connectivity had already reached a record level in the second quarter of 2026, according to government data.
With the PREMIUM IPAK service now operating again, exporters have regained a direct shipping option to several major European markets. This could help reduce some of the delays and logistical pressures created by recent disruptions.
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