Karachi Port Handles UAE Cargo Amid Gulf Shipping Disruptions

Karachi Port has started handling transhipment cargo destined for the United Arab Emirates following significant disruptions in regional maritime routes caused by the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

According to port authorities, major container vessels that ordinarily rely on established regional hub ports have begun offloading cargo in Karachi that is ultimately intended for the UAE market. This operational shift has emerged in response to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the elevated security risks affecting shipping activity across the Gulf region.

Under standard shipping arrangements, large container vessels typically discharge cargo at major regional hub ports, particularly those located in the UAE. From these hubs, smaller feeder vessels subsequently distribute shipments to surrounding destinations, including Pakistan, Central Asian states, Afghanistan and parts of East Africa.

In light of the current regional instability, however, several international shipping lines have opted to reroute shipments to Karachi as a precautionary measure to mitigate potential risks associated with navigating the Gulf.

On Friday, two container vessels — MV TS Tacoma and MV TS Sydney — docked at Karachi port and discharged a substantial volume of containers belonging to multiple shipping operators, including TS Line, Heung-A, Sinokor, as well as several non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs).

These containers are expected to be transported onward from Karachi to Jebel Ali Port in the UAE through feeder vessel services operating from the port.

Chairman of the Karachi Port Trust, Shahid Ahmed, stated that the port authority remains committed to maintaining uninterrupted regional and international trade flows despite the ongoing disruptions in the Middle East.

At present, the transhipment cargo is being temporarily stored at container terminals within Karachi port premises. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Ships Agents Association has approached the government with a request to permit the relocation of this cargo to off-dock storage facilities situated at Hawkesbay, Mauripur and Port Qasim in order to manage the anticipated surge in shipment volumes.

Chairman of the association, Muhammad Rajpar, indicated that prevailing developments suggest the closure of the Strait of Hormuz may persist for some time. As a result, Karachi port is expected to witness a further increase in transhipment cargo volumes in the coming days as shipping lines continue to adjust their logistical routes.