Three cargo vessels operated by the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) were affected during recent regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, according to official documents from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
The records show that the vessels—MT Karachi, MT P1 Leki, and MT Multan—were already positioned in the Gulf region before the escalation of conflict. Their movement was temporarily disrupted as security concerns and operational restrictions impacted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
The ministry stated that diplomatic engagement later helped restore clearance for at least one vessel, with MT Karachi permitted to continue its eastbound journey on March 15 after initial delays.
Officials noted that shipping conditions in the region had become increasingly challenging as tensions affected the flow of oil and cargo traffic through the strait.
The documents further clarified that two other vessels, MT Lahore and MT Khairpur, were not directly stranded due to the Hormuz tensions. However, both ships remain in the region awaiting operational instructions and regulatory clearances.
Despite the disruption, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs confirmed that Karachi Gateway Terminal has not suspended export bookings for Gulf-bound cargo. However, it acknowledged a sharp rise in freight costs, with shipping charges reportedly increasing several times compared to normal rates.
To manage operational pressure, feeder shipping services have been introduced through Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited to maintain cargo movement amid ongoing regional instability.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor handling a significant share of the world’s oil and LNG shipments, has faced heightened disruption in recent months due to regional conflict dynamics.
Pakistan remains particularly exposed to such disruptions due to its reliance on Gulf imports of crude oil, LNG, and petroleum products from countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait.
