KARACHI: Pakistan has received its first-ever roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel carrying more than 2,000 electric vehicles (EVs), marking a significant milestone in the country’s automotive import and maritime logistics sectors.
The M.V. Grande Shanghai docked at the Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTML) at Karachi Port, where the vehicles were unloaded by being driven directly off the vessel via built-in ramps, eliminating the need for cranes and significantly speeding up the discharge process.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry described the arrival as a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s maritime industry, saying it reflects the government’s commitment to modernising port operations and aligning the country’s shipping infrastructure with international standards.
“Karachi Port is moving towards world-class, modern shipping services,” the minister said, adding that the successful handling of the RoRo vessel would strengthen Pakistan’s trade, logistics and supply chain capabilities.
Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping is a specialised maritime transport system in which wheeled cargo—including cars, trucks and heavy machinery—is driven directly on and off ships using built-in ramps. The method is faster, more efficient and often more cost-effective than conventional container shipping, as it eliminates the need for cranes and extensive cargo handling.
The arrival of Pakistan’s first RoRo shipment comes amid broader efforts to upgrade the country’s port infrastructure and improve maritime efficiency.
Earlier this month, Pakistan successfully handled another major maritime operation when an LNG carrier safely berthed at Port Qasim despite severe monsoon conditions and rough seas, helping avert a potential energy supply disruption.
The vessel navigated the port’s 49-kilometre channel carrying *171,951 cubic metres of liquefied natural gas (LNG)—the largest LNG cargo ever received at the **PGPCL terminal. With a beam of *47.8 metres, it also became the widest LNG carrier to berth at Port Qasim during the monsoon season.
The successful handling of both the RoRo vessel and the record LNG carrier highlights Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to enhance port infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and position its maritime sector to support growing trade and clean mobility initiatives.
