Karachi Port is reporting a rise in transhipment activity as shipping lines adjust regional services in response to instability in the Middle East. Although Pakistan itself has a simmering conflict with Afghanistan, the port is sufficiently removed from the Gulf of Oman to make it an attractive safe haven. Reportedly, and unusually, two vessels carrying transhipment cargo recently docked simultaneously, underlining its growing role in redistributing containers across disrupted trade lanes.
Port officials say the trend reflects a wider recalibration of routing decisions. Shipping faces heightened risks, especially to energy and trade flows. Providers are reassessing schedules and port calls, with regional hubs outside immediate risk zones attracting additional volumes. Within this changing geopolitical landscape, Karachi is taking advantage of its geographic location and expanding terminal capabilities.
Transhipment volumes rise amid disruption
Port authorities highlighted the operational milestone as evidence of growing capacity and resilience. “The simultaneous handling of transhipment containers at Karachi Port highlights the port’s strong operational capacity, efficient port infrastructure, and strategic geographic advantage,” a spokesperson was reported in Middle Eastern media sources. The statement linked the increase directly to “ongoing disruptions in global shipping routes”.
Officials added that rising volumes are reinforcing Karachi’s role as a regional node. “As transhipment cargo volumes continue to increase, Karachi Port is steadily strengthening its reputation as a key maritime logistics hub,” the spokesperson said in further press comments. The port is seeking to capture additional relay traffic as carriers diversify their routing options.
New feeder links to UAE hubs
Alongside rising volumes, a new feeder service has been launched linking Karachi with UAE hubs at Fujairah and Khor Fakkan, despite both ports being within the risk zone of attack from Iran (a drone was reportedly intercepted over Fujairah recently). The inaugural sailing arrived on 11 March, marking the start of regular operations designed to connect Pakistani cargo with global shipping networks via established transhipment centres. The service is expected to provide more predictable routing options for exporters and importers.
“The commencement of this feeder service reflects KGTL’s continued commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s maritime connectivity,” said Khurram Aziz Khan, chief executive of Karachi Gateway Terminal, in widely reported comments. Karachi Port Trust chairman Rear Admiral (retired) Shahid Ahmed added that stronger regional links would “help facilitate smoother cargo movement” and support growing trade requirements.
Capacity upgrades underpin growth
The operational developments follow earlier investment in port infrastructure and equipment. In 2025, AD Ports Group signed a dredging contract with Van Oord to deepen berths and navigation channels at Karachi Gateway Terminal and the adjacent multipurpose facility. The works will allow vessels of up to 350 metres in length and 15.5 metres draft, increasing container capacity from 750,000 to 1m TEU.
At the multipurpose terminal, bulk vessel capacity is set to double from 60,000 to 120,000 tonnes, improving throughput and freight efficiency. The project, led by Noatum Ports, is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026. The upgrades are intended to align Karachi’s physical capacity with its emerging role in regional transhipment and cargo redistribution.
Equipment investment supports efficiency
Further investment has focused on cargo handling capability. Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose (Private) Limited has signed a contract with China’s GENMA Solutions for the supply of four mobile harbour cranes and two ship loaders. The equipment is expected to increase handling capacity and improve operational efficiency at one of Pakistan’s key multipurpose terminals.
According to the supplier, the additions will enable the terminal to accommodate larger bulk carriers and reduce vessel turnaround times. Improved cargo handling performance is also expected to support more reliable supply chains and lower demurrage costs. Together with dredging works and new feeder links, the upgrades position Karachi to capture a greater share of shifting regional trade flows.