KARACHI: A new MSC direct Europe service will commence from Oct 26, while KPT aims to double direct shipping services by December to cut transshipment depen­dence, Chairman retired Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed told the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday.

He said improved vessel operations could save Rs30-40bn annually, cutting unloading time from seven days to 1-1.5 days. Over 160 vessels have called for bunkering, a business he expects to exceed Rs300bn annually in two to three years.

He said KPT is investing Rs2-2.5bn in AI-based operations, automation and digital systems, while pushing key connectivity projects including Shah­rah-i-Bhutto, the KPT-Pipri Freight Corridor and the M-10 link to ease congestion.

Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2026