DP World, NLC unveil Pakistan - Bangladesh shipping service

The most recent consignment onboard the MV Yuan Xiang Fa Zhan left Karachi and is scheduled to arrive at Bangladesh’s Chittagong Port on 11 January with a range of items, including industrial raw materials, agricultural products, and textile fabrics, demonstrating the service’s importance in facilitating regional commerce.

Importers and exporters will reportedly gain significantly from the new Pakistan-Bangladesh direct sea route, which reduces transit times by more than 50 per cent, improves connectivity by eliminating transshipment, and provides a more dependable competitive logistics solution. 

After completing numerous successful trips, the service has been well received by the business communities in both countries. It is part of a larger service that connects six countries, alternating between Port Klang (Malaysia), Jebel Ali (UAE), Karachi (Pakistan), Chittagong (Bangladesh), Belawan (Indonesia), and Mundra (India). The first journey, which began on 30 October 2024, transported 304 containers directly from Karachi to Chittagong. By removing the requirement for transshipment, the direct route between Karachi and Chittagong provides an 11-day transit time, resulting in speedier delivery times and lower logistical costs.

According to DP World, the second service saw more than double the container load between Karachi and Chittagong. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive of DP World, said: “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, enhancing their opportunities to build their business, and service new customers.”

In December 2024, DP World announced the start of marine operations for the $1.2 billion Port of Ndayane, which aims to convert Senegal into a major worldwide trading hub.