Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Tuesday unveiled an ambitious plan to increase the national shipping fleet by 600% within the next three years.
The move is designed to bolster maritime infrastructure, reduce dependence on foreign ships, and cut the nation”s sea freight expenses. The program, announced at an agreement signing ceremony, focuses on incorporating environmentally friendly technologies and energy-efficient ships into the government-owned fleet. Chaudhry stated that the plan aims to conserve foreign currency reserves and promote eco-conscious maritime operations by developing a cleaner, more efficient domestic fleet.
The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and Port Qasim Authority (PQA) have pledged financial backing for the program through separate agreements with the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC). A. Abdullah Zaki, representing KPT’s Transition Management Committee, and Rear Admiral (R) Syed Moazzam Ilyas HI(M), Chairman of PQA, signed the agreements with PNSC CEO Syed Jarar Haider Kazmi.
These agreements follow a recent high-level meeting chaired by Chaudhry, where maritime authorities agreed to align fleet upgrades with environmental sustainability and national climate objectives set by the Prime Minister’s office.
KPT and PQA representatives emphasized that a modernized fleet would not only save foreign exchange and improve trade connections but also significantly reduce the environmental impact of sea freight through lower fuel usage and compliance with international emission regulations.
Chaudhry affirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and merit-based decisions, stating, ‘This project reflects our wider goal to revolutionize the maritime industry, enhance operational effectiveness, and implement cutting-edge technologies across all institutions.’
This initiative is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to become a regional maritime center while contributing to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry, a major source of worldwide emissions.