Pakistan sets sail on $100bn Maritime vision

November 06, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan is set to harness its under-utilized maritime resources as a cornerstone of economic growth and climate resilience, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry informed Thursday at the closing ceremony of the Pakistan International Maritime Exhibition and Conference (PIMEC) 2025.

The minister emphasized that Pakistan’s seas are central to the nation’s “Maritime @100” initiative, a $100bn blue economy plan aimed at transforming Pakistan into a sustainable, globally connected maritime hub by 2047.

Junaid Chaudhry highlighted the rapid expansion of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) fleet, which has grown from 10 to 12 ships, with three more expected within two months.

Plans are underway to expand the fleet to 30 ships by 2026 and 60 within three years. In a first for Pakistan, the ministry has also licensed a private company to operate ferry services, signaling a move toward cleaner and more sustainable maritime mobility.

The minister also revealed the establishment of a Green Ship Repair and Recycling Yard at Port Qasim under the “Sea to Steel Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex,” which will support environmental sustainability and the revival of Pakistan Steel Mills.

Additionally, Rs. 12bn is being invested to modernize the Gaddani Ship Recycling Yard in line with Hong Kong Convention environmental standards.

To boost fisheries and maritime expertise, the newly finalized National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy 2025–2035 aims 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-fledged Maritime University, ensuring skilled manpower for the maritime sector.

Outlining Pakistan’s long-term vision, Minister Chaudhry introduced the “Maritime Century 2047–2147” plan, based on five pillars: developing three new deep-sea ports, expanding the national shipping fleet, building AI-enabled Maritime Industrial Complexes for shipbuilding and recycling, producing “Made-in-Pakistan” ships, and achieving 100% green, digitally connected ports with multimodal connectivity.

He highlighted Pakistan’s strategic location as a natural gateway connecting South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and East Africa, positioning the country to lead regional maritime cooperation for peace, trade, energy, food, and climate resilience.

PIMEC 2025 attracted international investors, partners, and experts, showcasing opportunities across shipping, logistics, fisheries, shipbuilding, and digital maritime solutions. Minister Chaudhry called it “more than an exhibition it is a declaration of Pakistan’s maritime intent.”

Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s guidance, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs is pushing forward with the “Maritime @100” vision, aiming to make Pakistan a global blue economy hub by the nation’s centenary in 2047. Chaudhry concluded: “Pakistan’s future lies in the sea from Gwadar to the global ocean.”

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