NLC starts country’s first containerised shipping service for Gulf states

ISLAMABAD: The National Logistics Corporation (NLC) has achieved a milestone for the country’s maritime trade by launching Pakistan’s first containerised flag carrier shipping service for Gulf countries.

The service will initially operate with two vessels and is planned to expand gradually to meet future trade demands. The cargo ships, with a 1,120 TEU capacity, will operate on a 10-day round-trip schedule, ensuring the uninterrupted movement of goods between Karachi, Jabal-e-Ali (Dubai) and Damam (Saudi Arabia).

A special inauguration ceremony was held at the Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited, attended by senior NLC officials, representatives from the shipping industry, and business leaders. It is the first-ever shipping service operated by a Pakistani entity for direct trade between Karachi and the Gulf region. Additionally, it offers the convenience of slot payment collection in Pakistani rupees, which will be beneficial for both exporters and importers.