Pakistan has announced a comprehensive incentive package for transshipment cargo, offering discounts of up to 80% at Karachi Port and Port Qasim in a bid to lower cargo handling costs and attract more regional shipping traffic.
The package, introduced jointly by the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Port Qasim Authority (PQA) and terminal operators, provides substantial reductions in port wet charges, wharfage, storage fees and terminal handling charges for containerised, bulk and break-bulk transshipment cargo.
Under the new policy, concessions on port wet charges will be granted based on the proportion of transshipment cargo carried by a vessel.
Ships carrying 5% to 10% transshipment cargo will receive a 20% concession, while the discount increases to 30% for cargo volumes of 11% to 25%, 50% for 26% to 50%, 70% for 50% to 90% cargo, and up to 80% for vessels transporting 90% to 100% transshipment cargo, subject to specified minimum TEU requirements.
In addition, Karachi Port Trust will offer wharfage concessions ranging from 20% to 80%, along with 14 days of free terminal storage and up to 30 days of free storage at the TPX cargo area.
Meanwhile, Port Qasim Authority will provide a 100% concession on wharfage charges and seven days of free terminal storage, which can be extended to 21 days for cargo movement managed by shipping agents.
The government says the initiative is aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Pakistan’s ports, reducing logistics costs and positioning the country as a more attractive regional transshipment hub.
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