Shipping Lines withdraw congestion surcharge from Karachi Port

KARACHI: Shipping lines have decided to withdraw the upcoming port congestion surcharge on Wednesday.

The decision was made in a meeting held at the Karachi Port Trust head office. The meeting participants ratified that there is no congestion at Karachi Port and its terminals.

The shipping lines then unanimously resolved that port congestion surcharge should be withdrawn with immediate effect.

Port congestion surcharge refers to an additional amount which is included in the base rate ocean freight cost. Shipping lines usually incur this charge while operating at congested ports. Congested ports not only cause disruptions but tend to increase the operating costs for companies.

Major shipping lines which operate on the port include Maersk, Happaglloyd, MOL, USAC Cosca, APL, MSC, CMA and NYK among others.