The Gwadar Port in Pakistan, a key project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has become operational for container vessels, as it welcomed its first such ship on March 7 local time, a milestone for the China-proposed Belt and Road initiative.
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Operational service lines
COSCO, which launched the Karachi Gwadar Gulf Express, will use the Karachi port, Jebel Ali port and other Emirati ports as transit ports to integrate the new shipping line into its 16 international routes and provide services for global clients.
Thereinto, these 16 international routes include ↓↓↓
7 shipping lines between the Far East and the Middle East
4 shipping lines between the Far East and Karachi
5 shipping lines between the South Asia/ Middle East and Europe & Mediterranean
Shipping network connects regions throughout the world and provide huge convenience to global customers. Meanwhile, it offers an easy access for traders to export cargoes to Afghanistan.
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Karachi Gwadar Gulf Express
According to the news, The development marked the start of a container cargo shipping service between Gwadar and several Middle Eastern ports, known as the Karachi Gwadar Gulf Express (KGS), which is the first container cargo shipping service between Gwadar and the Middle East.
That means, the new Ship Container Service will connect Gwadar Port with the Middle East hub of Jebel Ali as well as the neighboring UAE ports of Abu Dhabi & Sharjah.
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Importance of the Gwadar Port
Considering the importance of the Gwadar Port as focal point of CPEC, its security is paramount. For this purpose, Pakistan Navy has raised Task Force 88 to undertake defence of Gwadar Port and its surrounding areas.
This Task Force is providing defence to Gwadar Port from seaward approaches and Merchant Vessels visiting the Port through deployment of Pakistan Navy assets.
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China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a game changer project for Pakistan. Success of this project is a prelude to the economic prosperity of the country and hence has taken a central stage in the economic, political and security calculus of not only Pakistan but the entire region.
A Chinese container vessel, operated by China COSCO Shipping Corp, arrived at the deep sea port escorted by Pakistani Navy vessels. After loading frozen sea food, it departed for the Jebel Ali port in the United Arab Emirates.
This is also the only shipping line in and out of Gwadar in the global shipping market. It means Gwadar will be connected to almost all major ports in the world and represents a big leap forward in the development of Gwadar.
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Reference | GlobalTimes & TheNews
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