Experts in Pakistan’s blue economy have highlighted that a new maritime service connecting Pakistan to Europe will significantly lower transshipment costs and expedite delivery times for exports.
The direct shipping line, which will strengthen the global seaborne trade supply chain, is set to commence weekly operations globally from February 5, with its first departure from Karachi, Pakistan’s port city.
Asim Siddiqui, a Ports and Shipping Expert and former chairman of the All Pakistan Shipping Association, stated that the new service will reduce costs and improve delivery times, enhancing the competitiveness of Pakistani goods in northern European markets. While he acknowledged other direct European services already exist, Siddiqui emphasized the value this new service adds by increasing shipping capacity to Europe.
Sohail Shams, CEO of United Marine Agencies (UMA), praised the INX maritime service for providing a direct and efficient route to European markets. He noted its benefits for industries like marine, fisheries, and minerals, emphasizing Pakistan’s strategic location at the crossroads of Central Asia, Southwest Asia, and the Persian Gulf. The service will allow faster access to European ports, boosting exports and improving the global competitiveness of Pakistani goods.
Shams further highlighted the service’s potential to strengthen Pakistan’s connectivity to major European markets, including Rotterdam, Hamburg, and London Gateway, enhancing the global supply chain. He added that initiatives like the HMM-INX service, coupled with Pakistan’s location as a regional gateway, will promote regional trade, expand maritime capabilities, and support the country’s blue economy by reducing transit times and addressing logistical challenges.
During the launch ceremony, Vice Admiral Faisal Abbasi, Commander of Karachi, Pakistan Navy, underscored Pakistan’s focus on forging international partnerships to enhance maritime activities. He emphasized that the INX service will ensure the timely delivery of Pakistani goods to European markets and leverage Pakistan’s marine, fisheries, mineral, and energy resources to boost the blue economy, further supported by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The INX service will begin its maiden voyage from Karachi, covering port rotations including Hazira, Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Colombo, London Gateway, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp, before returning to Karachi. The weekly service, using 6,000 TEU container ships, will operate on an 11-week turnaround schedule.
Yang Jungmo, Commercial Chief Pricing & Marketing for Southwest Asia at HMM, highlighted the importance of the INX service for global trade, reaffirming HMM’s commitment to providing reliable and efficient shipping solutions.
Related Posts
