Pakistan approves new transshipment steps to strengthen maritime sector

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has approved a set of transshipment-related measures aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s maritime sector amid changing regional security conditions following the US-Israeli attack on Iran, according to an official handout and statements from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.

The approvals were made on the recommendations of a high-level committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and headed by Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. According to the official handout, the decisions mark a significant move toward making Pakistan a more competitive and resilient transshipment hub in the region.

New cargo handling approvals

Among the measures cleared by the government is the handling of bulk and break-bulk cargo under transshipment arrangements. The press release said the step is expected to raise port throughput, draw additional shipping lines and support regional trade by allowing more efficient movement of commodities including grains, coal, minerals and project cargo.

The government has also approved the transshipment of vehicles through specialised roll-on/roll-off vessels. This covers cars, SUVs and other wheeled cargo. The press release said, "The initiative is poised to open new avenues for the automotive logistics sector, reduce handling times, and position Pakistan as a key node in regional vehicle distribution networks." the press release said.

In addition, the government has permitted the handling of less than container load cargo under transshipment operations. According to the statement, this will allow the consolidation and redistribution of smaller consignments, giving traders greater flexibility and improving Pakistan’s appeal for global freight forwarders and logistics providers.

Minister cites regional trade shifts

Speaking to Dawn, Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the approvals were made in view of changes in regional trade routes caused by geopolitical and security challenges.

By diversifying cargo handling capabilities and enhancing operational flexibility, we plan to capture a larger share of transshipment traffic.

Chaudhry said, adding that the move would have a long-term positive impact on Pakistan’s ports.

In a separate statement, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs said the initiative is expected to increase port revenues and foreign exchange earnings, create jobs in logistics and related sectors, strengthen Pakistan’s integration into global supply chains and enhance the country’s strategic maritime footprint.

Pakistan Maritime Energy City proposed

Separately, Pakistan is also planning to establish the Pakistan Maritime Energy City (PMEC), which has been described as an ambitious initiative intended to meet domestic and international energy storage and re-export needs as part of a broader strategy to expand the country’s economic footprint.

At a meeting chaired by the maritime affairs minister, it was proposed that the energy city would provide international stakeholders with facilities to store oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for onward export.

The proposed energy city would be integrated with port infrastructure. A high-level committee set up by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs has begun identifying suitable land for the project and preparing a comprehensive development plan. Consultations with all stakeholders, particularly provincial governments, are to be held before the project is formally launched.