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
