KARACHI, Sept 5: Another container vessel has been registered under Pakistan flag. It will ply between Port Qasim and Indian ports.

However, private shipping companies believe that the Pakistan-India shipping protocol is the biggest impediment to the registration of vessels under Pakistan flag.

“If the shipping protocol is not amended to allow lifting of a third-country cargo from ports of both the countries, the shipping industry in Pakistan could not grow,” they feel.

The Mega and Forbes, which purchased Mega-I container vessel about two months back and had been successfully operating between Karachi and Jable-Ali with a capacity to carry 1,000 TEUs as a feeder service, has purchased another container vessel -– Mega-II -– and has informed the director general ports and shipping.

After the induction of new vessel, the company will be better placed to serve Pakistani trade. At present 100 per cent containerised cargo is being lifted by foreign flag vessels.

Furthermore, efforts are being made by the private Pakistani company to acquire a LPG vessel, and it is also learnt from a representative of Mega and Forbes Group that they are in the process of acquiring Mega-III and Mega-IV.

The ministry of ports and shipping after discussions with the Indian delegation had finalized the technical details and the same were approved by the cabinet. However, the ministry is awaiting approval of the Indian government which will be largely beneficial to ship owing under Pakistan flag as well as improvement of trade and commerce with India, opening new avenue of business for Pakistani ports.