Pakistan’s maritime industry ventures into uncharted waters with the initiation of its first-ever construction of a container ship, signaling a significant leap in the country’s shipping capabilities.
The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) has issued an order for a container vessel from the shipyard after a lapse of forty years. Chairman PNSC, Rear Admiral Jawad Ahmed, announced this groundbreaking development during the signing ceremony at the Karachi Shipyard.
Under the agreement, Karachi Shipyard will deliver the first container ship to PNSC within the next 36 months. This landmark contract underscores Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing its shipping infrastructure and reducing its hefty expenditure of $3 billion on container transport.
Chairman PNSC, Rear Admiral Jawad Ahmed, emphasized the monumental cost-saving benefits that the construction of container ships domestically would entail, compared to the hefty US27 to US28 million exchange typically incurred by countries outsourcing such projects overseas.
He stated that the container ship’s construction at Karachi Shipyard is estimated to cost US21 million. The construction of the vessel in Karachi Shipyard will not only bolster Pakistan’s maritime capabilities but also serve as a catalyst for national economic growth. Managing Director Karachi Shipyard, Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas, highlighted the shipyard’s expertise in constructing large vessels, emphasizing their readiness for such ventures.
Salman Ilyas added that Karachi Shipyard had previously constructed bulk carriers, tankers, and other significant vessels, showcasing their proficiency in shipbuilding.
He expressed optimism about the shipyard’s ability to deliver top-quality container ships to meet the nation’s burgeoning maritime needs. This pioneering endeavor marks a significant milestone in Karachi Shipyard’s illustrious history, marking the first-ever construction of a container ship of such magnitude.