New operator for locating sites for deep sea ports

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has set up a high-level multi-agency committee to identify potential sites for establishing new deep-water ports along Pakistan’s extensive coastline, a move aimed at preparing the country for the next century of maritime expansion and economic transformation.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the minister said the initiative is part of the “Centennial Vision 2047-2147”, unveiled during the National Maritime Week in Karachi earlier in November.

He announced that he will attend the first meeting of the 12-member committee scheduled for next week, marking the start of efforts to implement the long-term vision to develop Port 1, Port 2 and Port 3 in strategic coastal locations.

To expedite the process, the committee will meet fortnightly and is tasked with submitting a comprehensive feasibility report that will include technical findings, hydrographic maps, satellite data and investment recommendations to the shipping ministry within three months.

Pakistan’s coastline stretches over 1,024 kilometers from Sir Creek in Sindh to Jiwani in Balochistan, including an Exclusive Economic Zone of 240,000 square kilometers and a continental shelf of nearly 50,000 square kilometers. With the country’s GDP expected to reach $1 trillion between 2030 and 2035, maritime trade and related industries are expected to expand dramatically.

The minister noted that Port Qasim Authority (PQA) is currently operating at around 65% capacity, Karachi Port Trust (KPT) at 52% and Gwadar Port between 5% and 10%. Projections show that the three ports could reach full operational capacity between 2035 and 2045 due to increasing industrial activity, regional transit trade and increased shipping volumes.

To address these challenges, the minister envisioned the creation of three to four new deep-water ports equipped with modern cargo handling, green energy integration and digital port management systems.