Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Monday announced major reductions in tariff rates at Gwadar Port in an effort to strengthen the port’s role as a regional logistics and transshipment hub.
In an official statement issued on May 11, the minister said the revised tariff policy aims to significantly increase transit and international transshipment container traffic through Gwadar while attracting global shipping companies and expanding overall port operations.
Under the new structure, berthing charges for container vessels and ships carrying transit or transshipment cargo have been reduced by 25 percent.
The government has also reduced charges on international transshipment container cargo by 40 percent, while fees for transit container cargo have been cut by 31 percent.
As part of additional incentives, Gwadar Port will now offer one month of free storage for general cargo, compared to the standard five-day free storage period available at other ports in the country.
“These incentives take effect immediately, and further adjustments will be introduced in phases after reviewing operational data and market response,” the minister said.
He added that future tariff revisions would be based on cargo trends, regional competition and long-term sustainability considerations.
Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the measures are part of a broader strategy aimed at transforming Gwadar into a modern, investor-friendly deep-sea port capable of serving as a strategic gateway for trade with Central Asia, the Middle East and East Africa.
According to the minister, growing demand for cost-effective and congestion-free shipping routes has created an opportunity for Gwadar to capture a larger share of regional maritime trade.
He said the revised tariff regime is expected to lower operational costs for shipping companies, encourage new feeder and transshipment services, and increase cargo movement through the port.
The minister added that the initiative would help stimulate economic activity, create employment opportunities and strengthen Pakistan’s maritime and logistics sectors.
Meanwhile, Chairman Gwadar Port Noorul Haq Baloch said the new tariff structure is expected to generate significant employment opportunities in Balochistan by accelerating commercial activity in the region.
He stated that reduced charges and improved port facilities would attract both domestic and international investors, contributing to economic growth and job creation in the province.