The rotation aims to enhance connectivity, offering customers quicker access between the Far East Asian markets and Pakistan.
A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) celebrated the inaugural call of the Maersk Karachi container vessel at the South Asia Pakistan Terminals (SAPT) as part of the recently updated FI3 ocean service.
By incorporating Karachi into the rotation, Maersk extends direct coverage of the Far East markets to Pakistan’s importers and exporters, offering approximately 30% faster transit times.
Hasan Faraz, Managing Director of Maersk Pakistan, expressed, “Our commitment to Pakistan strengthens with the arrival of our Maersk Karachi vessel at Karachi Port today. Our goal is to provide solutions that empower our customers to engage in global trade competitively.
“SAPT is a state-of-the-art, deep-sea port conveniently located near the city, reducing overland movement and contributing to cost- and time-savings for our customers.”
The proximity of Karachi Port to consumer markets, fisheries, and industrial hubs will significantly reduce transit times by more than half compared to some other major ports in Pakistan, enhancing efficiency in both ocean and overland transportation.
The inclusion of Karachi in the updated FI3 service is particularly advantageous for imports from China, benefiting sectors associated with the automotive industry and other commercial importers.
In terms of exports, perishable commodities such as seafood, citrus, and vegetables transported in refrigerated containers (reefers) to the Far East will experience reduced transit times, thereby minimizing food wastage.
The FI3 service follows the rotation Qingdao – Xingang – Busan – Tanjung Pelepas – Port Klang – Jawaharlal Nehru – Pipavav – Karachi (SAPT) – Mundra – Colombo – Port Klang – Singapore.