Pakistan revives shipbuilding with a new 1,100 TEU containership at Karachi Shipyard, aiming to boost the maritime sector and reduce imports.
Pakistan has restarted commercial shipbuilding, with work underway on a 1,100 TEU feeder containership at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works, reported Bangalore's MarineInsight.
The project marks Pakistan's first commercial containership since the early 1980s and is part of government plans to expand the maritime sector and reduce reliance on imported vessels. Steel cutting began in January after delays, officials said.
Vice Admiral Iftikhar Ahmad Rao, chairman of the Prime Minister's Task Force on Maritime Reforms, confirmed that construction had resumed under a contract with Pakistan National Shipping Corporation valued at US$24.75 million. He noted that costs were several million dollars below market rates.
The vessel will sail under the Pakistan flag, be classed by Bureau Veritas, and support PNSC's feeder services. Officials stated that local construction will save foreign exchange and reduce dependence on foreign carriers.
Karachi Shipyard, established in 1956 under the Ministry of Defence Production, has primarily built naval vessels in recent decades but is capable of constructing ships up to 26,000 dwt. The yard has produced frigates, corvettes, tankers, and logistics ships.
The maritime reform task force, set up in 2024, has implemented 84 of 99 recommendations, including the removal of a 22 percent sales tax on shipbuilding materials. Rao mentioned that high taxes had driven owners to register vessels abroad, while India offers a 30 percent subsidy.
Pakistan's maritime sector contributes less than 1 percent to GDP. Officials aim to expand the fleet, improve ports, and develop a blue economy estimated at US$100 billion annually by 2047. Port reforms have cut customs clearance times to 12 hours and lifted Karachi Port Trust to 69th in the World Bank index.
Pakistan is also reviving ship recycling at Gadani after joining the IMO's Hong Kong Convention. Five yards have achieved compliance. Officials stated that domestic shipbuilding will create jobs, save foreign exchange, and support long-term growth.
