Pakistan Maritime and Seaport Authority

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Pakistan Maritime and Seaport Authority

BR Web Desk
February 7, 2025

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Friday approved a comprehensive reforms plan aimed at reviving Pakistan’s maritime sector, Radio Pakistan reported.

Under the plan, the Pakistan Maritime and Seaport Authority has been established, and a committee headed by the Defence Minister will oversee its implementation.

The committee will meet every fortnight to monitor progress.

Key measures include restructuring the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, modernising the National Ports Master Plan, and standardising port tariffs.

The plan also focuses on digitising seaports, boosting aquaculture, and establishing new terminals at various ports.

Economic experts highlight that Pakistan suffers annual losses of five trillion rupees in the maritime sector due to underutilised port capacities, tax evasion, and fraudulent billing.

Moreover, misuse of the Afghan Transit Trade System has further caused billions in losses, with tax evasion alone costing over 1.1 trillion rupees annually.

Experts emphasise that the reforms plan is urgently needed and will significantly improve the country’s economy through digitisation and effective implementation of the proposed measures.

 

[S.Y.A]

another post for a jobless retired guy

 

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First ferry service licence for Gulf approved​

Shipping service will boost regional linkages, economic activity via sea

Our Correspondent
August 05, 2025

ISLAMABAD: While a large number of pilgrims on their way to Iraq have been stranded due to the ban on land travel to neighbouring Iran, the government of Pakistan has approved the first ferry service licence.

Applications of ferry operators had been pending approval since 2017-18 and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, while taking a fast-track route, approved the first licence on Monday for an international ferry operator. UK-based company Sea Keeper will run vessels on routes connecting Pakistan with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries.

The government is under serious pressure from around one million pilgrims, who attend Arbaeen (the Chehlum of Imam Hussain) in Karbala, as land travel to Iran has been halted recently without any prior notice.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry led the move by fast-tracking approval of the ferry service. He emphasised that the passenger shipping service would not only offer pilgrims going to Iraq and Iran safe and secure travel but would also provide an opportunity for boosting regional connectivity and economic activity via sea routes.

"Initial operations will commence from the ports of Karachi and Gwadar using modern vessels equipped with essential amenities to ensure safe and affordable travel. Expansion of routes and port calls is planned based on demand and bilateral agreements," said the minister in a statement.

The launch of ferry service forms part of Pakistan's broader strategy to develop its blue economy, improve trade logistics and promote maritime tourism, reflecting a renewed commitment to sustainable regional sea transport infrastructure, he stated.

Sources in the Ministry of Maritime Affairs confirmed that more ferry service licences were expected to be issued in the near future as a licensing committee was scrutinising the applications.

The licensing committee comprises officials of maritime affairs ministry, defence ministry, foreign affairs ministry, interior ministry, representatives from Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) and port and shipping authorities.

PNSC will be the regulator of ferry service providing companies to keep a close watch on the technical aspects of ships and vessel services.

Meanwhile, a senior official of the Karachi Port Trust said that a ferry terminal had already been established at the port. As soon as relevant formalities are notified, the terminal will be handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency for handling immigration matters.

Other relevant departments including the Customs and security divisions will also depute their staff at KPT and Gwadar Port terminals.

 

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Consultant appointed for first ferry service to Gulf countries​

Bakhtawar Mian
August 11, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The Research Centre for International Maritime Law & Practice (RCIMLP) has been appointed as maritime law consultant for the first ferry service by Sea Keepers International.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs on August 5 approved the ferry service licence to an international ferry operator.

The UK-based company, Sea Keepers International, will operate ferry routes connecting Pakistan with Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The legal consultant will ensure that the ferry service operates within a robust legal framework, adhering to international maritime laws and best practices while addressing unique challenges of Pakistan’s maritime landscape.


The organisation will work closely with stakeholders to navigate regulatory complexities, promote safety standards, and foster sustainable practices that align with global maritime norms.

The launch of Sea Keepers International represents a historic moment for the country, opening new avenues for trade, tourism, and regional collaboration. RCIMLP will play a pivotal role in shaping the legal foundation of this transformative project, ensuring its long-term success and impact.

“We are honored to partner with Sea Keepers International on this groundbreaking initiative, and shall keep working with same enthusiasm to strengthen Maritime Legal Skeleton of Pakistan and the Middle East and North African region” said Attorney Muslim Bin Aqeel, CEO of RCIMLP.

“Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support to ensure the success of this pioneering venture, which will not only boost Pakistan’s maritime connectivity but also contribute significantly to the sustainable development of its blue economy,” Mr Aqeel said.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2025

 

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Experts say maritime sector is a $100bn opportunity​

Zeb Khan
August 14, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Ahead of the Independence Day celebrations, experts have called for urgent action to unlock the potential of Pakistan’s maritime sector, which they believe could contribute over $100 billion annually to the national economy. The blue economy, they argued, offers a significant opportunity for sustainable growth.

The call was made during a joint session held on Wednesday, titled “Unlocking Pakistan’s Blue Economy: Harnessing Maritime Potential for Sustainable Growth,” hosted by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and Blue Economy Services.

The session brought together policymakers, maritime experts, environmentalists, and security professionals to discuss a comprehensive roadmap for developing Pakistan’s maritime sector, which remains largely untapped despite its vast potential.

SDPI Executive Director Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri pointed out that while Pakistan had declared 2020 the “Year of the Blue Economy,” the Covid-19 pandemic had slowed progress. He highlighted that the blue economy extends beyond ports to include untapped maritime resources, carbon sinks, and mangrove ecosystems, urging a balance between environmental sustainability and infrastructure development.

Engr Ahad Nazir, an Associate Research Fellow at SDPI, explained that the session aimed to foster collaboration between various sectors to develop a strategic plan for the maritime industry. He noted that Pakistan’s maritime resources have long been overlooked, even though they hold immense growth potential.

Former Karachi Port Trust Chairman and CEO of Blue Economy Services, Nadir Mumtaz, stressed Karachi’s strategic importance as Pakistan’s maritime and aviation hub. He called for targeted investments in mega shipping projects, commercial shipyards, offshore oil exploration, ferry services, and digital infrastructure.

Mumtaz revealed that Pakistan’s freight fleet has decreased from 36 ships in previous years to just 13 today. He argued that reviving Karachi’s position as a regional trade and maritime centre could enhance food and energy security, boost seafood exports, and expand digital trade, particularly through initiatives like the Digital CPEC Corridor.

Vice Admiral (Retd) R. Ahmed Saeed, President of the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), highlighted the fact that 80-90% of global trade is conducted via sea routes. He called for the digitisation of port systems, improved tariff structures, and alignment with international performance standards to make Pakistan’s ports more competitive and integrate them into global supply chains.

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2025

 

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Maritime facilitation centre proposed to cut delays​

Maritime minister chairs meeting to review progress on port-related projects; seeks input from government departments, maritime-sector stakeholders on centre’s structure and operations.