Commerce Desk
Islamabad: Dredging is a critical prerequisite for efficient port operations. However, due to non existence of indigenous dredging capability, the capital dredging at Pakistan’s Ports had not been undertaken since 1980 restricting the port’s ability to accommodate larger vessels.
Consequently, dredging activities had to be outsourced to foreign companies leading to a substantial outflow of valuable foreign exchange.
Recently the Government of Pakistan decided to establish National Dredging and Marine Services (NDMS) company. As a joint initiative, NDMS company brings together the expertise of National Logistics Corporation (NLC), Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Port Qasim Authority (PQA) and Gwadar Port Authority (GPA). This partnership reflects a unified national effort to strengthen institutional capacity and enhance maritime infrastructure.
NDMS company has formally commenced dredging operations at Port Qasim marking the beginning of a new era in indigenous port maintenance capabilities.
Launching ceremony of dredging operations was held at Port Qasim. Chairman Port Qasim Authority Rear Admiral Syed Moazzam Ilyas (Retd) was the chief guest on the occasion. Chairman KPT, senior officials of port terminals and Pakistan Customs also attended the ceremony.
The induction of indigenous dredging capability represents a significant milestone in the development of Pakistan’s blue economy. By reducing reliance on international contractors, NDMS is expected to yield substantial savings in foreign exchange while promoting self-reliance in critical maritime operations. By accommodating larger vessels, the import /export business in the country will significantly grow in future.
The dredging operation, NDMS will ensure optimal navigational depth and uninterrupted functionality of Port Qasim through deployment of modern, efficient and internationally compliant dredging solutions. NDMS plans to extend its dredging to international ports in future. The dredging operations will help in port expansion.
