KARACHI: Pakistan’s maritime sector achieved a historic milestone this week as MSC MICOL, one of the world’s largest and most advanced container ships, docked at Hutchison Ports Pakistan — the country’s only deep-water container terminal.
The 400-metre-long vessel, with a capacity of 24,070 TEUs, is the biggest ship ever to call at a Pakistani port, marking a leap forward for the nation’s shipping capabilities and regional connectivity. The berthing demonstrates that Karachi’s South Asia Pakistan Terminal (SAPT) can now handle ultra-large vessels previously restricted to ports in Dubai, Colombo, and Singapore.
Maritime Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry described the event as “a historic day for Pakistan’s maritime industry,” adding that it positions the country as a potential regional transshipment hub and will help lower freight costs for importers and exporters alike.
Expanding Capacity and Vision
Hutchison Ports Pakistan, part of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings, launched SAPT in 2018 to overcome the size limitations of Pakistan’s older ports at Karachi and Port Qasim. The terminal can handle ships up to 400 metres long and boasts some of the most advanced cargo-handling equipment in South Asia.
According to Hutchison, accommodating vessels like the MSC MICOL will not only enhance trade efficiency but also attract more shipping lines, strengthening Pakistan’s role in global maritime logistics.
National Fleet Expansion
In parallel, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) announced new fleet acquisitions to reinforce the country’s shipping capacity. Its subsidiaries, Karachi Shipping and Lahore Shipping, have signed agreements to acquire two Aframax tankers — LORAX and NAFSIKA — with deadweight tonnage of 109,990 and 112,051 tonnes, respectively.
PNSC recently approved a $193 million plan to expand its fleet to 30 vessels by 2026, aligning with Pakistan’s goal to modernise its shipping operations and reduce dependency on foreign carriers.
Pakistan’s maritime sector is now attracting renewed investment interest. CK Hutchison has outlined a $1 billion plan to further upgrade port operations and automation in Karachi, while the government continues to prioritise logistics infrastructure under its national trade corridor strategy.
The successful berthing of MSC MICOL — once considered beyond the technical limits of Pakistan’s ports — signals not just a record-setting moment, but also a turning point in the country’s long-term ambition to emerge as a key maritime gateway for South Asia and beyond.
