KARACHI, July 18 (APP): Pakistan has received its first-ever Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipment of electric vehicles, with more than 2,000 EVs arriving at Karachi Port in a milestone for the country’s maritime, logistics and clean transportation sectors.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said a 220-metre RoRo vessel carrying over 2,000 electric vehicles successfully berthed at the Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose Limited (KGTML) terminal of the Karachi Port Trust (KPT).
He described the arrival as a landmark achievement that reflects Pakistan’s growing capacity to handle specialized cargo operations in accordance with international standards.
The minister said the successful arrival of the vessel followed his approval last month to allow RoRo shipments of electric vehicles during a meeting of the committee on maritime affairs.
He said the operation demonstrated the country’s expanding port infrastructure and its readiness to support modern, technology-driven logistics and global trade.
Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry noted that the shipment marks Pakistan’s gradual integration into the global clean mobility and sustainable transport supply chain, while strengthening the country’s position as an emerging regional logistics hub.
He explained that Roll-on/Roll-off vessels are specially designed to transport wheeled cargo, enabling vehicles to be driven directly on and off the ship without the need for cranes or container handling equipment.
According to the minister, the RoRo system significantly reduces cargo handling time, improves operational efficiency, minimizes the risk of damage to vehicles and enhances safety during loading and unloading operations.
He said the successful berthing of M.V. Grande Shanghai highlighted Karachi Port Trust’s commitment to modernizing port infrastructure and facilitating faster, more efficient cargo movement through advanced logistics solutions.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s maritime sector by introducing modern shipping practices, improving port facilities and enhancing connectivity with international shipping routes.
He said the government is focused on creating an efficient maritime ecosystem capable of supporting growing trade volumes, attracting investment and facilitating environmentally sustainable transportation.
Industry experts believe the arrival of the country’s first RoRo shipment of electric vehicles is expected to encourage greater adoption of electric mobility in Pakistan while supporting national efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote cleaner transport technologies.
The development is also seen as a positive step toward improving trade facilitation and expanding Pakistan’s role in regional and global maritime commerce through modern port operations and sustainable logistics practices.
