ISLAMABAD – Web Desk: Pakistan has passed new maritime legislation to promote the shipbreaking industry and ensure compliance with international environmental standards, according to officials.
The Senate approved the “Environmentally Sound Management of Inventory of Hazardous Materials on Ships Bill 2026,” paving the way for implementation of the Hong Kong Convention in the country. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry stated that the new legislation will ensure monitoring of hazardous materials on ships, safe shipbreaking practices, and environmentally friendly measures.
Under the law, inspection, survey, and certification of every ship arriving in Pakistan will be mandatory, while violators may face seizure, detention, or removal from Pakistani waters. The Minister noted that following the Russia-Ukraine war, approximately 400 ships were expected to be transferred to Pakistani shipyards, with additional ships anticipated due to recent US-Israel-Iran tensions.
The government is also considering establishing a “Steel Corridor” to connect Karachi Shipyard and Pakistan Steel Mills, allowing steel recovered from shipbreaking to be used at Pakistan Steel Mills for revival. Pakistan is among the world’s three largest ship recycling countries, with approximately one-third of global ship recycling activities conducted in Pakistan. The Gadani shipbreaking yard is crucial for the national economy and employment, making it essential to bring it up to international environmental, labor, and safety standards.
Pakistan has become the 23rd country to accede to the Hong Kong Convention, while the Balochistan Assembly has already passed the “Balochistan Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships Act 2025.” The new legislation will improve Pakistan’s global reputation, promote environmentally friendly industrial development, and help the country transition toward a circular economy.
