Pakistan has announced a series of fiscal incentives to attract transshipment vessels to Karachi Port, aiming to position it as a regional maritime hub amid shifting shipping routes linked to tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Rising oil and gas prices and heightened risks in Gulf waters have prompted logistics companies to reassess their routes and consider alternative regional hubs.

Under the new policy, vessels carrying dry bulk export cargo will receive a 60 percent concession on port dues, wharfage and storage charges. Additional performance-based incentives include increased discounts tied to higher monthly ship calls and reduced minimum transshipment cargo requirements.

Base discounts for vessels have been raised significantly, with further reductions offered as transshipment volumes increase. Ships carrying transshipment cargo equal to half of their gross registered tonnage will qualify for up to a 60 percent discount on port dues, while large container ships meeting specified thresholds can receive up to a 50 percent reduction on certain charges.

The policy also promotes environmental responsibility, granting extra reductions in berthing charges for ships using environmentally friendly fuels. Officials say the measures are designed to boost shipping activity, modernize port operations and strengthen Pakistan’s maritime economy.