Pakistan Welcomes First RoRo Vessel Carrying More Than 2,000 Electric Vehicles

Pakistan has achieved a major milestone in its maritime and automotive sectors with the arrival of its first roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel carrying more than 2,000 electric vehicles (EVs). The vessel, M.V. Grande Shanghai, docked at the Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTML) at Karachi Port, introducing a faster and more efficient method of importing vehicles into the country.

Unlike traditional container shipping, RoRo vessels are specially designed to transport wheeled cargo. Vehicles are driven directly on and off the ship using built-in ramps, eliminating the need for cranes. This process reduces unloading time, lowers handling costs, and improves overall efficiency.

Pakistan Welcomes First RoRo Vessel Carrying More Than 2,000 Electric Vehicles

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry described the arrival as a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s maritime sector. He said the successful operation reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize port facilities and improve logistics services. According to the minister, the introduction of RoRo shipping follows the approval of electric vehicle imports through this specialized transport system during a maritime committee meeting held last month.

The minister noted that adopting RoRo services will strengthen Pakistan’s trade and logistics network while helping local ports align with international shipping standards. He added that Karachi Port is steadily moving towards becoming a modern, world-class maritime hub capable of handling advanced shipping operations.

Beyond improving port efficiency, the arrival of the country’s first RoRo shipment of electric vehicles also signals Pakistan’s growing participation in the global shift toward clean mobility and sustainable transportation. The government sees this development as an important step in supporting environmentally friendly transport solutions and expanding connections with international shipping networks.

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This achievement comes amid broader efforts to enhance Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure. In recent weeks, the country’s ports have successfully managed several complex operations aimed at strengthening logistics and ensuring smoother trade.

Earlier this month, Pakistan successfully handled a challenging maritime operation at Port Qasim by safely berthing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier despite severe monsoon weather and difficult sea conditions. The vessel navigated the port’s 49-kilometre channel and delivered 171,951 cubic metres of LNG—the largest LNG cargo ever received at the PGPCL terminal. The ship also became the widest LNG carrier to dock at Port Qasim during the monsoon season, highlighting the growing capability of Pakistan’s port infrastructure.

The successful arrival of the M.V. Grande Shanghai further demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to modernizing its maritime sector, improving trade efficiency, and supporting sustainable economic growth through advanced shipping solutions.