Pakistan receives first RoRo vessel carrying over 2,000 EVs

Pakistan has received its first roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel carrying more than 2,000 electric vehicles (EVs), marking the country’s debut use of the specialised shipping service for automobile imports, the maritime affairs ministry said on Friday.

The M.V. Grande Shanghai berthed at the Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTML) at Karachi Port, where the vehicles were unloaded by being driven directly off the vessel, eliminating the need for cranes.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the arrival marked a milestone for Pakistan’s maritime sector and reflected efforts to modernise port operations.

He said the vessel’s arrival followed his approval of RoRo shipments of electric vehicles during a meeting of a committee on maritime issues held last month.

• RoRo shipment is a highly efficient maritime transport method where wheeled cargo—such as cars, trucks, and heavy machinery—is driven directly onto the vessel via built-in ramps. It is significantly faster and often more affordable than container shipping because it eliminates the need for cranes.

Chaudhry said the operation would strengthen Pakistan’s trade and logistics capabilities, adding that modern port infrastructure would help the country move towards international shipping standards.

“Karachi Port is moving toward world-class, modern shipping service,” he said.

He noted that the country’s first RoRo shipment of electric vehicles also highlighted Pakistan’s gradual integration into the global clean mobility and sustainable transport supply chain.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening the maritime sector and enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with global shipping networks.

The latest development comes as Pakistan’s ports have recently handled a series of high-profile maritime operations, underscoring efforts to upgrade port infrastructure and improve the country’s logistics and shipping capabilities.

Days ago, Pakistan averted the risk of an energy crisis after an emergency maritime operation successfully brought a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier safely to berth at Port Qasim despite severe monsoon weather and hazardous sea conditions.

The complex operation was completed through Port Qasim’s 49-kilometre navigational channel. The Port Qasim Authority described the mission as a historic achievement that helped safeguard the country’s energy security during adverse weather.

The vessel carried 171,951 cubic metres of LNG, making it the largest LNG cargo ever handled at the PGPCL terminal. With a beam of 47.8 metres, the ship also became the widest LNG carrier to be accommodated at Port Qasim during the monsoon season.