‘Bangladesh-Pakistan direct shipping route leads to 50pc reduction in transit times’

More than 1,000 containers were shipped between Pakistan and Bangladesh since the launch of the ‘first direct shipping route’ between the two South Asian countries in October, according to the port operator DP World. 

The new direct link has led to a more than 50 per cent reduction in transit times, as well as improved connectivity through eliminating transhipment requirements, reports Gulf News.

The report says, “It is a joint venture between Dubai-headquartered DP World and NLC that is making full use of the new route. This is part of a wider service connecting six countries, rotating between: Port Klang (Malaysia), Jebel Ali, Karachi (Pakistan), Chittagong (Bangladesh), Belawan (Indonesia), and Mundra (India).”

"This new route also connects to many of our regional and global routes, giving businesses and traders connectivity to all parts of our global network," said Sultan Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive of DP World.

Launched on October 30, the first voyage carried 304 containers booked directly from Karachi to Chittagong.

 “By eliminating the need for transshipment, the direct route offers a remarkably efficient 11-day transit between Karachi and Chittagong, ensuring faster delivery times and reduced logistics costs,” says a DP World statement. 

“The second service saw more than double the container load between Karachi to Chittagong, underscoring the growing demand for this service.”