Several leading container shipping companies have introduced an Emergency Operational Recovery Surcharge (EORS) ranging from $300 to $800 per container on shipments to and from Pakistan, effective from May 15. The surcharge applies to trade routes connecting Pakistan with Europe, the Mediterranean, the United States, Africa, and Asia.

For shipments involving the US, Latin America, and Australia, the surcharge will remain in effect until June 6.

To mitigate operational challenges, carriers have begun rerouting sea freight via alternative hubs such as Colombo and Salalah. Notably, CMA CGM has implemented an $800 emergency surcharge per container on shipments to Europe, the US East Coast, Africa, and the Middle East, including import routes. Other shipping lines are expected to follow suit due to increased costs associated with feeder services.

The Pakistan Ship’s Agents Association (PSAA) attributed these changes to new Indian restrictions aimed at discouraging port calls to Pakistan. The PSAA confirmed that foreign shipping lines are adjusting their routes to maintain service continuity. Despite these developments, Karachi Port Trust reports that port operations remain normal with no signs of congestion.

In a related development, Pakistan has permitted cargo ships carrying Indian goods to dock at its ports. However, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs issued an order on May 3 banning Indian-flagged vessels and restricting Pakistani ships from calling at Indian ports. These restrictions exclude Reshipment on Board (RoB) cargo and transit shipments involving Indian-origin goods passing through Pakistani ports.