ISLAMABAD: A giant container ship, the MSC Loreto, has docked at Karachi Port, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan’s maritime sector and strengthening the country’s integration into global shipping networks.
The ultra-large container vessel arrived at the South Asia Pakistan Terminals (SAPTL) on Sunday, where it was welcomed by the Karachi Port Trust (KPT).
Built in 2023 and sailing under the Liberian flag, the MSC Loreto measures nearly 400 metres in length and has a carrying capacity of 24,346 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), placing it among the largest container ships currently in operation. The vessel delivered 3,802 TEUs of cargo destined for Karachi.
Karachi Port Welcomes a Global Maritime Giant
Karachi Port Trust proudly welcomes MSC LORETO, one of the world’s largest container ships, at the SAPTL Terminal—a testament to KPT’s growing capability to handle ultra-large container vessels.
With a 399.9-meter length, 24,346 TEU… pic.twitter.com/hSSqajHDap
— Karachi Port Trust Official (@official_kpt) June 29, 2026
According to Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracking data, the ship, registered under IMO number 9934735, arrived at 07:05 UTC.
The Karachi Port Trust said the vessel’s arrival reflects continued investment in port infrastructure and highlights Karachi Port’s growing capability to accommodate some of the world’s largest container ships, further enhancing Pakistan’s role in international maritime trade.
Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Sunday announced that the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) had recorded the highest annual cargo handling volume in its 138-year history.
KARACHI PORT TRUST SHATTERS 138-YEARS RECORD !
“A New Chapter in Pakistan’s Maritime History”
Karachi, 27 June 2026: Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has made history — surpassing its all-time cargo handling record of 5 crore 46 lakh 85 thousand tonnes, set in FY 2017–18, marking an… pic.twitter.com/0VSHxfRHLj
— Karachi Port Trust Official (@official_kpt) June 28, 2026
The milestone comes as Pakistani ports, particularly KPT, have witnessed a surge in transshipment activity in recent months, with several global shipping lines diverting vessels to Karachi amid disruptions to regional shipping routes.
In a statement, Chaudhry said KPT surpassed its previous cargo handling record of 54.685 million tonnes, set in fiscal year 2017-18, during the outgoing fiscal year, reflecting the port’s growing role in regional and international trade.
Cargo handling involves the loading, unloading, transfer, and storage of goods between ships and other modes of transport, such as trucks and trains, within a port.
In May, KPT received its first fully dedicated transhipment vessel, marking a milestone in Pakistan’s development as a regional cargo redistribution hub.
More recently, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and local partners signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a maritime business district on 140 acres of KPT waterfront land.
