Pakistan proposes direct feeder lines

Pakistan and Malaysia are exploring a new cooperation framework to expand maritime training and deepen port collaboration following a high-level meeting on Tuesday.

Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Transport Hasbi bin Habibollah met Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on the sidelines of maritime engagements in the United Kingdom. Both sides reviewed ongoing cooperation and explored new avenues to strengthen collaboration in the maritime sector.

Chaudhry offered to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing seafarer training and facilitating the exchange of marine cadets. He noted that the proposed MoU would allow Pakistan to send its marine cadets to Malaysian academies, while Malaysia would, in turn, send its cadets to Pakistan for specialised training programmes.

"This exchange will contribute to the professional development of young seafarers and strengthen long-term cooperation," the minister said.

He also offered Malaysia access to Pakistan's expanding expertise in digital port solutions, including the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) platform, now fully operational at Karachi Port and Port Qasim. Islamabad has been promoting its digital trade infrastructure as a model for reducing cargo clearance time, improving transparency and enhancing overall trade facilitation.

Beyond training and digitalisation, Chaudhry pushed for deeper operational cooperation in trade routes. He proposed establishing direct feeder shipping lines between Pakistan and Malaysia, with onward connectivity to Indonesia, to cut transport durations and reduce freight costs.

The minister observed that the proposed feeder links could give a major boost to Pakistan's rice exports to Southeast Asia, while simultaneously streamlining edible oil imports from Malaysia and Indonesia. He added that the proposal aligns with Pakistan's broader strategy to strengthen maritime connectivity with Asean economies, where demand for Pakistani agricultural products has been steadily rising.

For Malaysia, the initiative offers an opportunity to broaden its maritime training network and enhance regional logistics integration as part of its transport-sector modernisation agenda.

Both sides agreed to hold further technical consultations in the coming weeks to finalise the scope of the MoU, define training modules and establish mechanisms for implementing the cadet-exchange programme.

Islamabad seeks IMO Council seat

Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to global maritime governance and announced its candidacy for the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council in Category C.

Addressing the opening session of the IMO Assembly in London, Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Tuesday emphasised Pakistan's strategic importance, noting that its coastline of over 1,000 kilometres lies along some of the world's most critical sea lanes connecting the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and the Indian Ocean.

"Over the past year, Pakistan has implemented concrete initiatives in line with IMO conventions and global best practices, including port digitalisation, maritime safety enhancement, green port development and artificial intelligence-enabled port community systems," he said.

The IMO, a United Nations agency with 193 member states, meets every two years where countries participate in its Council and Assembly to shape and influence global maritime policy. Chaudhry outlined further developments, including the upgrading of Pakistan Marine Academy, the establishment of Pakistan Maritime University, reforms in seafarer certification and enhanced training standards aligned with the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention.

Additional measures include strengthening vessel traffic management systems, improving marine pollution response capacity and expanding coastal monitoring in collaboration with national and international partners. "Pakistan is advancing its Maritime Vision 2047 and 2147," the minister said and assured delegates that all planning aligns with IMO standards and the organisation's global vision.

He highlighted Pakistan's commitment to the IMO's climate agenda, noting ongoing efforts for energy-efficient shipping, marine environmental protection and green ship recycling, particularly at Gaddani, where compliance with Hong Kong Convention is being strengthened.

The minister emphasised that Pakistan's Category C candidature reflects its intention to contribute constructively to the global maritime community, pledging to promote fair access for developing maritime nations, strengthen support for seafarers' welfare and training, advocate for climate cooperation for coastal and vulnerable island states, and advance the IMO's mission of safe, secure and environmentally responsible shipping.

Category C seats in the IMO Council are elected by the Assembly and include 20 member states with special maritime interests or those who enhance regional balance. These members help guide IMO's work and strategic direction, and play crucial roles in global maritime governance.

"History shows that real progress is made when nations choose to work together. Let this session be more than just another meeting. Let it become a turning point, a moment for cooperation, innovation and bold action," he concluded, affirming that Pakistan is ready to move forward towards a maritime future that is safer, greener and more prosperous for all.