ISLAMABAD: Since the opening of the “first direct shipping route” between Pakistan and Bangladesh in October, more than 1,000 containers have been shipped between the two South Asian nations, according to port operator DP World.
According to Gulf News, the new direct link has increased connectivity by doing away with the need for transshipment and reduced transit times by more than 50 per cent.
Joint venture
It is a joint venture between Dubai-headquartered DP World and NLC that is making full use of the new route. This is part of a wider service connecting six countries, rotating between: Port Klang (Malaysia), Jebel Ali, Karachi (Pakistan), Chittagong (Bangladesh), Belawan (Indonesia), and Mundra (India).
“This new route also connects to many of our regional and global routes, giving businesses and traders connectivity to all parts of our global network,” said Sultan Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive of DP World.
Launched on October 30, the first voyage carried 304 containers booked directly from Karachi to Chittagong.
DP World statement
“By eliminating the need for transshipment, the direct route offers a remarkably efficient 11-day transit between Karachi and Chittagong, ensuring faster delivery times and reduced logistics costs,” says a DP World statement.
“The second service saw more than double the container load between Karachi to Chittagong, underscoring the growing demand for this service.”
