Islamabad: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced substantial reductions in tariff rates at Gwadar Port on Monday, a strategic move aimed at bolstering the port’s competitiveness as a regional logistics and transshipment hub. The revised policy is intended to significantly increase international transshipment and transit container traffic through Gwadar, while attracting global shipping lines and enhancing port activity.
According to Press Information Department, the new tariff structure includes a 25 percent reduction in berthing fees for container vessels and ships carrying transit or transshipment cargo. Charges on international transshipment container cargo have been slashed by 40 percent, and transit container cargo charges have been reduced by 31 percent. Additionally, in an effort to improve cargo handling efficiency, the port will offer one month of free storage for general cargo, compared to the standard five-day allowance at other national ports.
These incentives are effective immediately, with further adjustments to be reviewed in phases, based on operational data and market response. Future revisions will consider cargo trends, regional competition, and sustainability factors. Junaid Chaudhry emphasized that these measures are part of a broader strategy to transform Gwadar into a competitive, investor-friendly, and modern deep-sea port serving as a strategic trade gateway with Central Asia, the Middle East, East Africa, and beyond.
Chaudhry noted that amid rising demand for low-cost and congestion-free shipping routes, Gwadar is well-positioned to capture a larger share of regional trade flows. The revised tariff regime is anticipated to lower operational costs for shipping lines, encourage new transshipment and feeder services, and increase cargo throughput. The initiative is expected to stimulate economic activity, generate employment opportunities, and expand Pakistan’s logistics and maritime sectors.
Chairman of Gwadar Port, Noorul Haq Baloch, stated that the new tariff structure is expected to significantly boost commercial activity, leading to growth in employment opportunities in Balochistan. He noted that the reduced fees and improved facilities will attract both local and international investors, accelerating economic development in the region and creating new job opportunities.