Karachi, November 2: The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has decided to allocate an existing jetty at Port Qasim to a Chinese company for the establishment of a world-class shipyard, marking a major step in Pakistan’s efforts to revive its maritime manufacturing sector and enhance industrial cooperation with China.
According to Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, the decision is part of the government’s broader plan to expand shipbuilding capacity and reduce dependency on foreign-built vessels. The project will be developed in collaboration with a leading Chinese maritime engineering firm under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“We have decided to provide a ready-made jetty at Port Qasim to a Chinese company for the development of a modern shipyard,” the minister said while speaking to the media.
He added that the new shipyard at Port Qasim will have the capacity to build up to six ships annually, meeting both domestic and regional demands for commercial and industrial vessels.
Payment in Local Currency and Industrial Benefits
A significant aspect of the agreement, according to Minister Chaudhry, is that Pakistan will make all payments in local currency (Pakistani rupees) rather than foreign exchange. This arrangement aims to ease pressure on the country’s dollar reserves while strengthening local financial mechanisms.
“The payment for shipbuilding will be made in Pakistani rupees, which will help us conserve foreign reserves and promote domestic economic stability,” the minister explained.
He added that the project would generate thousands of skilled and unskilled jobs, boost industrial growth, and strengthen Pakistan’s maritime self-reliance.
Strategic Importance of the Project
The establishment of a second major shipyard at Port Qasim follows the existing Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW) and is expected to transform Pakistan’s shipbuilding capabilities. Currently, KSEW handles limited capacity for constructing small naval and commercial vessels, but the new facility aims to increase overall production and export potential.
Officials said the Port Qasim shipyard will also include advanced dry docks, repair bays, steel fabrication units, and marine engineering workshops, built according to international standards. The shipyard will not only serve Pakistan’s naval and commercial fleet but also cater to the needs of regional maritime clients in the Middle East and Africa.
Future Expansion Plans
Minister Junaid Chaudhry revealed that the government is also identifying a location for a second shipyard to further expand capacity and encourage public-private partnerships in the maritime sector.
“We are currently determining the location for a second shipyard that will further strengthen our industrial and defense infrastructure,” he said.
He stressed that enhancing shipbuilding capacity aligns with Pakistan’s long-term maritime vision, which seeks to turn the country into a regional shipbuilding and repair hub.
Collaboration Under CPEC Framework
The collaboration with the Chinese company is seen as a strategic component of CPEC’s industrial cooperation phase, focusing on technology transfer, training, and investment in maritime infrastructure.
The project will also facilitate knowledge sharing between Chinese and Pakistani engineers, enabling local talent to gain hands-on experience in large-scale ship construction and maintenance.
