Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Minister, has unveiled a major incentive package for foreign transshipment vessels at Karachi Port. The move aims to strengthen the port’s position as a regional shipping hub and boost trade.
The announcement came during a high-level meeting at the Karachi Port Trust. The scheme took effect from March 18, 2026.
Under the new plan, duties and charges on dry bulk export cargo have been cut by up to 60 percent. The minimum transshipment cargo requirement has been lowered from 10 percent to 7.5 percent.
Base discounts for shipping lines have been increased from 5 percent to 20 percent. An additional 5 percent discount is available for extra cargo. Special incentives are also in place for lines that bring more vessels to the port.
The minister said weight charges for large container ships have been reduced by up to 50 percent. A 60 percent flat discount applies to 50 percent GRT transshipment cargo. Ships using environmentally friendly fuel can receive an extra 5 percent discount.
Chaudhry emphasized that these measures aim to make Karachi Port a cost-effective and efficient gateway for international shipping. He highlighted that the incentives would promote both domestic and foreign maritime operations, enhance exports, and encourage transshipment activities.
