KARACHI: In a landmark development for Pakistan’s maritime industry, the country’s largest-ever container vessel, MSC Mikol, successfully docked at the South Asia Pakistan Terminal (SAPT) on Friday, marking a new era in the nation’s port handling capacity and regional trade potential.
The 400-metre-long ultra-large container ship (ULCS), with a carrying capacity of 24,000 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), is among the world’s most advanced vessels and represents the growing confidence of global shipping lines in Pakistan’s port infrastructure.
SAPT, a deep-water terminal equipped with state-of-the-art handling technology, managed the berthing and cargo operations of MSC Mikol smoothly, showcasing its ability to accommodate some of the world’s biggest ships, a capability previously limited to ports in Dubai, Singapore, and Colombo.
Officials at the terminal confirmed that this was the largest vessel ever to berth in Pakistan’s maritime history, and its successful handling demonstrates that the country’s ports are now capable of managing high-volume global trade traffic.
Industry experts say the event reflects Pakistan’s emergence as a rising logistics and transshipment hub in South Asia, with major international shipping lines now expanding their presence at Karachi’s modern terminals.
The arrival of MSC Mikol also signals growing international confidence in Pakistan’s maritime operations and port depth, a crucial factor for attracting future mega vessels and boosting foreign trade competitiveness.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, while welcoming the development, said the achievement underscores Pakistan’s growing capability and strategic potential in regional shipping. “The successful berthing of MSC Mikol is not only a technical milestone but also a symbol of Pakistan’s growing role in global maritime trade,” he noted.
Experts believe that Pakistan’s capacity to handle ultra-large vessels will significantly cut freight costs, enhance trade efficiency, and attract more foreign investment in the logistics and shipping sector.
The berthing of MSC Mikol at SAPT, they say, is a clear sign that Pakistan is moving toward becoming a key maritime gateway for regional trade.
