ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has announced a 50 percent reduction in port charges at Karachi Port as part of efforts to enhance trade competitiveness and reduce the environmental impact of maritime logistics.
The country’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, said in a statement that the move aims to decarbonise port operations and support a shift towards more sustainable and efficient trade practices.
The minister said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to decarbonise the maritime sector and improve energy efficiency in port operations.
“By lowering operational costs and streamlining logistics, we are not only boosting trade competitiveness but also contributing to climate resilience,” Junaid Chaudhry stated.
The newly introduced reforms include a 50 percent cut in port handling, vessel, and storage charges, while scrapping the previously planned annual 5 percent hike in these fees, a move expected to benefit exporters of dry bulk goods and reduce emissions through faster, less congested port activity.
“This isn’t just a financial measure; it’s a pivot toward low-impact, future-ready maritime trade,” said the minister.
“A more efficient port reduces idle time for vessels, lowers fuel consumption, and supports greener supply chains.”
The minister highlighted that these changes are part of a national strategy to modernise port infrastructure, enhance sustainability, and transition towards smart maritime practices.
This announcement follows recent efforts of the maritime minister to enhance port efficiency, including forming a high-level committee to cut container dwell time by 70 percent and deploying advanced technologies such as AI and drones for monitoring operations.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to aligning the maritime sector with global environmental standards, stating: “A resilient economy goes hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility. These reforms reflect the Prime Minister’s vision of a stable, green, and globally competitive Pakistan.”
As sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and maritime pollution intensify, the minister said that climate adaptation is now being increasingly integrated into trade logistics, part of a broader strategy to establish the country as a sustainable maritime hub in the face of climate change.
