Sea Port / Dry Port and Maritime Updates.
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ghazi52
THINK TANK: CONSULTANT
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Pakistan Maritime and Seaport Authority
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.
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.
ghazi52
THINK TANK: CONSULTANT
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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.
ghazi52
THINK TANK: CONSULTANT
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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
ghazi52
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The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) has announced plans to establish an additional storage capacity of 30,000 metric tonnes to support the growing demand for cement and clinker exports.
The decision was revealed during a high-level meeting of the Task Force on Enhancing Cement and Clinker Exports,
The decision was revealed during a high-level meeting of the Task Force on Enhancing Cement and Clinker Exports,
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The government has unveiled major initiatives at Port Qasim aimed at boosting cement and clinker exports, including the construction of new berths, expanded storage facilities, and infrastructure upgrades to enhance the port’s handling capacity.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced the developments on Tuesday, according to a statement.
Chairing a meeting, Chaudhry said a sub-committee representing all major ports, headed by the Port Qasim Authority, Rear Admiral Syed Moazzam Ilyas, has finalised key recommendations to accelerate export capabilities.
The minister underscored the urgent need to expedite the construction of two additional multi-purpose berths at Port Qasim, which will significantly increase the port’s capacity to handle export cargo more efficiently.
Activities of Karachi Port and Port Qasim
“To support export logistics, plans are also underway to build an additional storage facility at Port Qasim with a capacity of 30,000 metric tons,” he said.
The project is expected to begin by the end of 2025 after completing necessary formalities, he added.
Chaudhry further announced that permanent repair work on the existing storage infrastructure will be undertaken, with completion targeted within 4-5 months by December 2025 to ensure seamless export operations.
During the meeting, it was learnt that the Port Qasim Authority will collaborate with the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) for the potential use of the currently underutilised Sahiwal berth for clinker exports.
The minister said that these measures form part of a broader government strategy to strengthen the maritime sector and enhance the export competitiveness, particularly in cement and clinker, contributing to economic growth and trade development.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced the developments on Tuesday, according to a statement.
Chairing a meeting, Chaudhry said a sub-committee representing all major ports, headed by the Port Qasim Authority, Rear Admiral Syed Moazzam Ilyas, has finalised key recommendations to accelerate export capabilities.
The minister underscored the urgent need to expedite the construction of two additional multi-purpose berths at Port Qasim, which will significantly increase the port’s capacity to handle export cargo more efficiently.
Activities of Karachi Port and Port Qasim
“To support export logistics, plans are also underway to build an additional storage facility at Port Qasim with a capacity of 30,000 metric tons,” he said.
The project is expected to begin by the end of 2025 after completing necessary formalities, he added.
Chaudhry further announced that permanent repair work on the existing storage infrastructure will be undertaken, with completion targeted within 4-5 months by December 2025 to ensure seamless export operations.
During the meeting, it was learnt that the Port Qasim Authority will collaborate with the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) for the potential use of the currently underutilised Sahiwal berth for clinker exports.
The minister said that these measures form part of a broader government strategy to strengthen the maritime sector and enhance the export competitiveness, particularly in cement and clinker, contributing to economic growth and trade development.
