GWADAR, May 11 — Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Monday announced a significant reduction in tariffs at Gwadar Port to attract global transit and transshipment traffic. The new incentives, which take effect immediately, are designed to lower operational costs for shipping lines and position Gwadar as a competitive, congestion-free alternative to other regional hubs. This strategic move comes as the port gains increased importance due to its proximity to Central Asia and its role as a safe gateway amid ongoing maritime tensions in the Middle East.
🚨BREAKING: Pakistan cuts tariffs at Gwadar Port to boost transit and transshipment trade. pic.twitter.com/rwkGeZ4t2p
— The Daily CPEC (@TheDailyCPEC) May 11, 2026
Highlights
- Berthing fees for container ships have been reduced by 25%.
- Port charges on international transshipment containers have been cut by 40%.
- Transit container cargo charges have been reduced by up to 31%.
- A one-month free storage facility for general cargo has been introduced.
- Four major transshipment ships were recorded at the port during April 2026.
- The Gabd-Rimdan border route is now being utilized as a multi-modal corridor for Iran and Central Asia.
The revised tariff structure is a cornerstone of the government’s broader strategy to transform Gwadar into a modern deep-sea port serving East Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Minister Chaudhry noted that these incentives would be reviewed in phases based on market response and cargo trends to ensure long-term sustainability. By offering a 30-day storage allowance—significantly higher than the five-day standard at other national ports—the government aims to provide major relief to shipping companies dealing with global supply chain fluctuations.
Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Noorul Haq Baloch highlighted that the port’s strategic value has surged following recent instabilities in the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that Gwadar is now viewed as a safe and cost-effective trade gateway, with the potential to stimulate massive economic activity and job creation in Balochistan. The recent influx of transshipment vessels, including a major cargo ship from Malaysia carrying over 14,000 metric tons of goods, underscores the port’s growing trajectory as a hub for regional logistics.
You May Like To Read: Federal budget likely to favor income tax relief over salary hikes
Check out our latest video:
