Pakistan on Wednesday established a direct shipping line with Europe with the launch of the India North Europe Express (INX) maritime service.
The weekly maritime service will commence its operations on Feb. 5, with its first departure from Pakistan’s port city of Karachi. Addressing the launch, chief guest Pakistan Navy Commander Karachi Vice Admiral Faisal Abbasi said Pakistan is constantly seeking international partnerships to expand and strengthen its maritime activities.
He noted that the INX service would help ensure timely and efficient delivery of Pakistani goods to their destinations in Europe and beyond. He said sea lines of communication allow nations to stretch beyond their land borders, facilitating access to, and exchange of, raw materials and trade goods.
Abbasi stressed that as much as 75% of international trade takes place over water, with expectations this will continue to grow in the foreseeable future. He noted that Pakistan particularly stands to benefit from the service owing to its connections to Central Asia, South West Asia, and the Persian Gulf.
“Our country has an abundance of marine, fisheries, mineral and energy resources that can generate additional revenues,” he said. “From the perspective of the potential of the blue economy, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is estimated to expand the maritime capabilities of Pakistan manifolds,” he added.
The INX service’s port rotation will commence from Karachi and proceed to India’s ports of Hazira, Mundra, and Nhava Sheva; Sri Lanka’s Colombo; the London Gateway; Rotterdam, Netherlands; Hamburg, Germany; Antwerp, Belgium; and then back to Karachi.
“The INX service promises a robust, direct maritime connection from Western India to Northern Europe, turning around in just 11 weeks with a fleet of 6,000 TEU container ships,” said United Marine Agencies CEO Sohail Shams. “This development not only diversifies maritime service portfolio in the region but also amplifies opportunities for regional trade and global transshipment through this strategic hub,” he added.
“This service signifies more than just a route, it represents progress, innovation, and the shared commitment of our global partners to simplify and enhance international trade. This strategic network underscores the significance of Karachi as a vital trade hub and gateway to global markets,” he stressed.
Yang Jungmo, Commercial Chief Pricing and Marketing for Southwest Asia at HMM, also addressed the event, highlighting the significance of the INX service for global trade and emphasizing the company’s commitment to offering reliable and efficient shipping solutions.
The INX service is a collaboration between Ocean Network Express, HMM and Pakistan’s United Marine Agencies. The initiative of maritime service will streamline logistics, enhance connectivity, and drive economic growth in the region.