Pakistan made maritime history as Hutchison Ports Pakistan in Karachi have received the MSC Micol, the largest container ship ever to dock in the country.
The 400-meter-long vessel, operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), has a carrying capacity of more than 24,000 containers, marking a major milestone for Pakistan’s shipping industry.
Hutchison Ports Pakistan, a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-based Hutchison Ports group, said the berthing of MSC Micol shows the country’s ability to handle next-generation container ships that dominate global trade routes.
“MSC Micol, measuring 400 meters in length with a capacity of 24,070 TEUs, is the largest vessel ever to call at a Pakistani port, marking a historic milestone for the maritime industry,” read a statement by the terminal manager.
The company said that the arrival of the ship reflects growing global confidence in Pakistan’s maritime potential and highlights the port’s ability to accommodate ultra-large vessels. The development is expected to help lower freight costs, improve trade efficiency and make Pakistani exports more competitive in international markets.
Until now, Pakistan’s major ports, Karachi Port and Port Qasim, handled smaller vessels because of draft limitations. Since becoming operational in 2018, Hutchison Ports Pakistan has provided the country with its first deep-water terminal capable of receiving ships up to 400 meters long.
Located in Karachi’s Keamari district, the terminal is part of Hutchison Ports’ global network that spans 53 ports in 24 countries. The facility plays a key role in improving trade connectivity and supporting Pakistan’s export growth under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Industry experts believe that welcoming ultra-large container ships will help reduce per-container handling costs and attract major shipping lines to include Pakistan in their main Asia–Europe routes, cutting dependence on transshipment through Gulf ports.