Islamabad eyes Saudi-linked port, shipping projects to boost Gulf–China connectivity
KARACHI: Pakistan is planning Saudi-linked port and shipping projects, including new gateway terminals, direct shipping routes and green ship recycling yards, as part of efforts to become a logistics bridge between the Gulf, Central Asia and China, the maritime ministry said on Friday.
Officials say Pakistan’s location at the mouth of the Arabian Sea gives it a strategic advantage in connecting Gulf energy exporters with China and the landlocked markets of Central Asia. With Gulf–China trade volumes rising and regional shipping routes expanding, Islamabad is seeking to position its ports as key nodes in emerging transport corridors.
According to a statement from the maritime ministry, Technical Adviser for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Jawad Akhtar proposed several new projects with Saudi Arabia.
These included “Karachi–KSA and Gwadar–KSA Gateway Terminals, expansion of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation fleet under Saudi partnership, start direct shipping lines from Karachi to Jeddah and Gwadar to Dammam, and establish 20 green ship recycling yards at Gaddani,” the maritime ministry statement said.
