KARACHI — In a major effort to elevate Pakistan’s maritime competitiveness and attract regional shipping traffic, the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has introduced a comprehensive, performance-based Transshipment Incentive Package.
The new regulatory framework replaces all legacy notifications with a unified, performance-driven incentive regime designed to lower logistics overheads, boost cargo volumes, and position Karachi Port as a preferred regional transshipment hub.
1. Concessions on Port Wet Charges
KPT has introduced a slab-based concession structure on Port Wet Charges for both containerized and bulk/break-bulk transshipment vessels:
- 5–10% Transshipment Cargo: 20% concession
- 11–25% Transshipment Cargo: 30% concession
- 26–50% Transshipment Cargo: 50% concession
- 50–90% Transshipment Cargo: 70% concession (minimum 2,000 TEUs for container vessels)
- 90–100% Transshipment Cargo: 80% concession (minimum 3,500 TEUs for container vessels)
2. Wharfage & Storage Benefits
To streamline cargo flow and reduce demurrage costs, KPT has approved significant wharfage discounts and extended free storage windows:
- Wharfage Discounts: Up to 80% reduction based on transshipment volume (70% for min. 2,000 TEUs; 80% for min. 3,500 TEUs).
- Terminal Free Storage: 14 days of free storage at container terminals.
- Off-Terminal Free Storage: 30 days of free storage at KPT’s TPX Cargo Area under shipping agent responsibility.
3. Concessions on Terminal Handling Charges (THC)
Karachi Port’s major container terminal operators—Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT), South Asia Pakistan Terminals (SAPTL), and Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL)—are offering tiered THC reductions for both 20-ft and 40-ft containers:
| Transshipment Volume Share | THC Concession |
| 5–10% of vessel manifest | 10% concession |
| 11–25% of vessel manifest | 20% concession |
| > 25% of vessel manifest | 25% concession |
Strategic Industry Outlook
The unified incentive package significantly lowers overall handling costs for international shipping lines, encouraging mainline carriers to designate Karachi Port for regional cargo transfers. The framework reinforces KPT’s commitment to trade facilitation, improved turnaround times, and regional supply chain integration.
