Gwadar Port cuts tariffs to attract trade, transshipment traffic

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has announced a broad reduction in tariff rates at Gwadar Port in an effort to increase trade activity and reinforce the deep-sea port’s role as a regional logistics and transshipment centre.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said in a statement on Monday that the revised tariff policy was aimed at significantly raising transit and international transshipment container traffic through Gwadar, while also drawing global shipping lines and improving overall port operations. "Under the revised tariff structure, berthing fee for container vessels and ships carrying transit or transshipment cargo has been reduced by 25%. Charges on international transshipment container cargo have been slashed by 40%, while transit container cargo charges have been cut by 31%."

The minister said the port would also offer one month of free storage for general cargo to improve cargo handling efficiency. He noted that other national ports generally provide a five-day allowance. "These incentives take effect immediately and further adjustments will be reviewed in phases based on operational data and market response."

Chaudhry said, adding that future revisions would be shaped by cargo trends, regional competition and sustainability considerations.

According to the minister, the tariff changes are part of a wider plan to develop Gwadar into a competitive, investor-friendly and modern deep-sea port that can serve as a strategic gateway for trade with Central Asia, the Middle East, East Africa and other regions. He said that at a time of growing demand for low-cost and congestion-free shipping routes, Gwadar was positioned to secure a larger share of regional trade.

He said the revised tariff regime was expected to lower operating costs for shipping lines, encourage new transshipment and feeder services, and increase cargo volumes at the port. "This initiative will stimulate economic activity in the country, generate employment opportunities and expand Pakistan's logistics and maritime sectors," the minister added.

Employment and investment expectations

Gwadar Port Chairman Noorul Haq Baloch also said the new tariff structure was likely to create substantial employment opportunities in Balochistan by increasing commercial activity.

In a statement, he said lower fees and improved facilities would help attract domestic and foreign investors, speed up economic development in the region and open up new jobs.

Transshipment vessel berths at port

Separately, the minister highlighted the arrival of another transshipment vessel at Gwadar Port during May, describing it as a sign of the port’s growing transshipment potential.

He said cargo vessel MV Yuan Hang Wei Ye berthed at 10:15am on Monday. According to Chaudhry, the ship was carrying 34,000 tonnes of cargo comprising around 20,000 pieces.

The minister said the vessel was involved in transshipment operations and was carrying consignments meant for Abu Dhabi and Kuwait, which would be offloaded at Gwadar.

Chaudhry described the development as a positive indication of Gwadar Port’s expanding role in regional maritime trade, saying such operations reflected international confidence in the port’s facilities and its strategic location as a transshipment hub.