Pakistan is set to build its first Green ShipYard for Repair and Recycling at Port Qasim, while also investing Rs. 12 billion to upgrade the Gaddani Ship Recycling Yard. The projects are part of the government’s plan to boost the country’s maritime sector and modernise ship recycling operations.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced these initiatives during the closing ceremony of the Pakistan International Maritime Exhibition and Conference (PIMEC) 2025, held in Karachi. He said the Port Qasim yard will operate under the “Sea to Steel Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex,” which will also help revive the Pakistan Steel Mills.

The minister said the Gaddani Yard will be upgraded in line with Hong Kong Convention environmental standards, ensuring cleaner and safer ship dismantling.

Related: Government Reveals Bold Plan to Revive Pakistan Steel Mills

Highlighting progress in the sector, Chaudhry mentioned that the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) has expanded its fleet from 10 to 12 ships, with three more expected soon. Plans are also in place to grow the fleet to 30 ships by 2026 and 60 within three years.

He further announced that the first private company has been licensed to run ferry services in Pakistan. The ministry has also finalised the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy 2025–2035, aiming to double fisheries exports within a year. A Maritime Education Endowment Fund has been created, and the Pakistan Marine Academy will be upgraded into a full Maritime University.

Unveiling his long-term vision, the minister said Pakistan’s “Maritime Century (2047–2147)” will focus on five pillars: developing new deep-sea ports, expanding the shipping fleet, building AI-based maritime industrial complexes, producing locally made ships, and transforming all ports into green digital hubs.