Islamabad: A new sea service connecting Pakistan directly with Europe is set to transform the country’s trade dynamics, significantly reducing transportation costs and improving export delivery times. The weekly service, which will begin operations globally on February 5 with its maiden departure from Karachi, aims to strengthen Pakistan’s role in the global trade supply chain.
Ports and shipping expert ASIM Siddiqui, former president of the All Pakistan Shipping Association, highlighted the value of the service in reducing costs and improving delivery efficiency, which will enhance the global competitiveness of Pakistani goods in Northern European markets. He pointed out that although other direct European routes already exist, the new service will enhance the ability to ship directly to Northern Europe.
Suhail Shams, CEO, United Maritime Agencies (UMA), emphasized that the INX maritime service offers a sought-after and efficient route to European markets, benefiting various industries in Pakistan, including maritime, fisheries and minerals. He praised Pakistan’s strategic locations, at the crossroads of Central Asia, Southwest Asia and the Persian Gulf, making it an ideal hub for expanded trade through such initiatives.
Shams further noted that the HMM-VERX maritime service will enhance connectivity to major European ports such as Rotterdam, Hamburg and London Gateway, improving the speed and efficiency of shipments. This will enhance Pakistan’s maritime trade capabilities and support the global supply chain. The service’s reduced transit time is expected to ease logistical bottlenecks, providing new opportunities for companies in Pakistan to access European markets quickly and reliably.
Vice Admiral Faisal Abbasi, Commander Karachi, Pakistan Navy, who attended the launch event, emphasized the importance of international partnerships to strengthen Pakistan’s maritime sector. He highlighted Pakistan’s blue economy potential, which includes marine, fisheries and mineral resources, and stressed how the expansion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will expand Pakistan’s maritime capabilities.
The first flight of the INX service will rotate between Karachi, Hazira, Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Colombo, London Gateway, Rotterdam, Hamburg and Antwerp, before returning to Karachi. The service will operate on an 11-week shift schedule (R/V 77 days) using 6,000 TEU container ships, making it a vital link between Western India and Northern Europe.
Yang Jungmo, Chief Commercial Officer for Southwest Asia at HMM, reinforced the importance of INX’s service to global trade and expressed the company’s commitment to providing efficient and reliable shipping solutions.