ISLAMABAD:
The federal government has launched a package deal of fiscal incentives providing as much as 60% concessions in port expenses to draw foreign-flagged transshipment vessels to Karachi Port, aiming to extend transport exercise and enhance its regional standing.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry introduced the measures whereas chairing a high-level assembly, based on a press release issued on Thursday.
He described the incentives as a part of a broader technique to spice up maritime exercise and reward environmentally sustainable practices.
“The brand new incentive construction offers vital aid in port dues and berthing expenses based mostly on efficiency, efficient from March 18, 2026,” the minister stated.
Beneath the revised Karachi Port Belief (KPT) tariff, vessels carrying dry bulk export cargo will obtain a 60% concession on port dues, wharfage and storage expenses.
The minister stated incentives linked to the variety of month-to-month ship calls had been enhanced in comparison with earlier insurance policies, whereas the minimal transshipment cargo requirement had been diminished from 10% to 7.5%.
“This step is anticipated to encourage extra carriers to utilise Karachi Port,” he stated, including that the bottom low cost has been elevated from 5% to twenty%, with additional incentives rising from 2% to five% for each extra 5% improve in transshipment volumes.
Beneath the coverage, vessels carrying transshipment cargo equal to 50% of their gross registered tonnage (GRT) will qualify for a flat 60% low cost on port dues, with the speed set at $1.18 per GRT.
Giant container ships carrying no less than 25% transshipment cargo shall be eligible for as much as a 50% low cost on relevant moist expenses.
Ships utilizing environmentally pleasant fuels will obtain an extra 5% discount in berthing expenses. The minister stated the initiative goals to place Karachi as an economical and environment friendly gateway for world transport whereas supporting operational scale and environmental duty.
