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Pakistan announces major fee cuts at Gwadar port to attract global shipping

By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Monday announced sweeping reductions in tariff rates at Gwadar Port, aiming to transform the deep-sea facility into a competitive regional logistics and transshipment hub.

The revised policy is designed to significantly increase transit and international transshipment container traffic through Gwadar while attracting global shipping lines.

“Under the revised tariff structure, berthing fees for container vessels and ships carrying transit or transshipment cargo have been reduced by 25 percent. Charges on international transshipment container cargo have been slashed by 40 percent, while transit container cargo charges have been cut by 31 percent,” Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said in a statement.

In a major incentive to improve cargo handling efficiency, the port will also provide one month of free storage for general cargo, compared to the standard five-day allowance at other national ports.

“These incentives take effect immediately, and further adjustments will be reviewed in phases based on operational data and market response,” the minister added.

Junaid Chaudhry said the measures form part of a broader strategy to transform Gwadar into a competitive, investor-friendly gateway for trade with Central Asia, the Middle East, East Africa and beyond.

He noted that amid rising demand for low-cost and congestion-free shipping routes, Gwadar is well placed to capture a larger share of regional trade flows. The revised tariff regime is expected to reduce operational costs for shipping lines, encourage new transshipment and feeder services, and increase cargo throughput.

“This initiative will stimulate economic activity in the country, generate employment opportunities, and expand Pakistan’s logistics and maritime sectors,” Junaid Chaudhry said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Gwadar Port Noorul Haq Baloch said significant growth in employment opportunities is expected in Balochistan as the newly introduced tariff structure boosts commercial activity.

In a statement, the chairman noted that reduced fees and improved facilities will attract both local and international investors, accelerating economic development in the region and creating new job opportunities.