A major step forward in Pakistan’s maritime trade was marked by the launch of the India North Europe Express (INX) sea service on Wednesday, creating a direct shipping link between Pakistan and Europe. This initiative aims to facilitate the delivery of Pakistani goods to European markets and strengthen global trade relations.
The INX service, which is scheduled to begin operations on February 5, will operate a weekly flight from Karachi, connecting ports in India and Sri Lanka to key European destinations, including the gateway to London, Rotterdam, Hamburg and Antwerp.
Using 6,000 TEU container ships, the round trip will be completed in 11 weeks, significantly reducing transit times and enhancing trade efficiency.
At the launch ceremony, Vice Admiral Faisal Abbasi, Commander of the Pakistan Navy in Karachi, stressed the strategic importance of the new naval service. Highlighting Pakistan’s location at the crossroads of Central Asia, Southwest Asia and the Arabian Gulf, he noted that this geographical advantage offers enormous potential for trade and economic growth.
Abbasi stressed the crucial role played by sea lines of communication (SLOCs) in global trade, noting that more than 75% of international trade depends on sea routes. He also pointed to blue economy opportunities in Pakistan, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which he said would boost the country’s maritime infrastructure.
United Maritime Agencies (UMA) CEO, Sohail Shams, detailed the transformational impact the INX service has had on the business landscape in Pakistan. He explained that the service will provide direct maritime connectivity to Europe, reducing delivery times and boosting regional trade.
He added that Karachi’s strategic location as a commercial hub will support shipping activities to global markets, promoting greater economic integration.
United Marine Agencies, which represents South Korean shipping company HMM in Pakistan, is playing a key role in improving the logistics of the new service. Speaking at the event, HMM’s Chief Commercial Officer for Southwest Asia, Yang Jongmo, described the INX service as a milestone in streamlining international trade operations and stressed its potential to drive innovation and progress in global shipping networks.