Dear Valued Customers and Partners,
We hope this message finds you well. We are reaching out to inform you about a significant development affecting global shipping routes due to the ongoing geopolitical crisis between India and Pakistan.
Notice to Trade:
Effective immediately, both Indian and Pakistani maritime authorities have prohibited the berthing of vessels carrying cargo originating from each other’s countries at their respective ports. This directive is causing severe disruptions in shipping operations, leading carriers to omit Pakistani ports and adjust their schedules accordingly. As a result, export and import shipments may experience delays, rerouting, or offloading at alternate hubs.
It is important to note that this situation arises from state-level intervention and is beyond the control of any logistics provider.
Impact on Shipping in Pakistan:
While all major ports in Pakistan, including Karachi Port and Port Qasim, remain operational, several impacts have been observed:
- Increased Border and Customs Scrutiny: There is a notable tightening of customs and border security, particularly for shipments with any routing or documentation linked to India. Delays in customs clearance are expected.
- Air Freight Disruptions: Airspace over parts of northern Pakistan has been temporarily restricted, which may cause rerouting or delays in air freight, especially from carriers avoiding conflict-prone zones.
- Cross-Border Trade Suspension: All official land-based trade routes between India and Pakistan have been suspended until further notice, including the Wagah-Attari border crossing, impacting overland cargo movements.
- Insurance and Freight Costs: Due to increased risk perception, shipping lines and insurers are beginning to revise premium rates on cargo destined for or transiting through Pakistan. This could lead to a rise in freight and insurance costs.
- Port Congestion Risk: As rerouting increases reliance on select regional hubs, there is a possibility of congestion at Karachi and Port Qasim in the coming weeks.
Advisory:
In light of these developments, we strongly recommend the following:
- Plan Shipments in Advance: Account for possible delays in your shipping schedules.
- Stay Connected: Keep in touch with our operations team for the latest updates on routes and carriers.
- Review Insurance Coverage: Ensure that your high-value shipments are adequately insured.
- Consider Alternate Routing Options: For urgent cargo, explore alternative routing options to mitigate delays.
Gateway Container Line is actively engaging with carriers to manage these impacts and will keep you updated on all critical developments.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this period of disruption. We appreciate your continued partnership.