Govt sets 30-day deadline to clear stranded containers at Karachi Port
Maritime minister orders urgent removal of old containers to ease port congestion: Authorities directed to shift containers to safer locations without delay: Minister Junaid says commercial mechanism to be developed for off-dock cargo transfer
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has granted a 30-day deadline for the removal of old and stranded containers at Karachi Port, as part of efforts to ease congestion and improve port efficiency.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the minister to review the situation of containers stuck at the port on Thursday. The meeting directed authorities to take immediate steps to shift the containers to safer locations.
Addressing the participants, the minister said that in view of the evolving regional situation, transshipment cargo at ports has increased significantly, making it essential to adopt a comprehensive strategy to reduce congestion.
He instructed officials to ensure the prompt relocation of containers and emphasised the need to develop a clear commercial mechanism for transferring cargo to off-dock terminals. In this regard, he said that a detailed shifting plan has been sought from Karachi Port Trust and terminal operators.
The minister also directed that a complete record of off-dock facilities and transshipment cargo be maintained to improve oversight and operational efficiency.
He further ordered the removal of excess materials, wooden pallets and unused equipment from port premises, noting that such measures would help reduce congestion, facilitate trade and strengthen the logistics system.
Last month, on March 9, the minister had announced a major relief measure at the port aimed at expediting cargo clearance. Demurrage charges on auctioned containers were waived to encourage the swift removal of long-pending cargo.
Under the decision, no demurrage would be charged if containers were cleared within seven days of the announcement, a move taken in coordination with private terminal operators.
The minister said the concession was designed to reduce congestion, accelerate cargo handling and create additional space for transshipment cargo.
He added that the initiative would help release containers that had remained stuck at the port for extended periods, thereby enhancing overall port performance and efficiency.
Reporter: Hashar Warraich