ISLAMABAD, March 19 (Xinhua) — Pakistan has unveiled a package of fiscal incentives to attract trans-shipment vessels and promote green shipping at Karachi Port Trust (KPT), officials said on Thursday.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the measures aim to boost port activity and position Karachi as a regional maritime hub.
Under the policy, vessels carrying dry bulk export cargo will receive a 60 percent concession on port dues, wharfage and storage charges, while the minimum trans-shipment cargo requirement has been reduced from 10 percent to 7.5 percent.
The base discount has been raised to 20 percent, with additional incentives linked to higher trans-shipment volumes. Ships carrying trans-shipment cargo equal to 50 percent of gross registered tonnage will qualify for a flat 60 percent discount on port dues.
Large container vessels with at least 25 percent transshipment cargo will be eligible for up to a 50 percent discount on wet charges, while ships using environmentally friendly fuels will receive an additional 5 percent reduction in berthing charges.
The minister said the move is part of efforts to enhance competitiveness and support sustainable maritime trade. ■
