Pakistan Marks World Maritime Day 2026 with the collaboration of The Nautical Institute (Pakistan Branch), Institute of chartered Ship Brokers (Pakistan Branch), Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (Pakistan) and Pakistan Merchant Navy Officers’ Association in Karachi, September 30 2026 at the Pearl Continental Hotel.
This year’s global theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” designated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), highlighted the importance of translating maritime policies into meaningful action and promoting excellence across the maritime sector.
The event was inaugurated by Vice Admiral Abdul Muneeb HI(M), S Bt., Commander Pakistan Fleet
(COMPAK) in the presence of Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas HI(M), Managing Director, Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works; Madam Irum Tanveer Odho, Director General Public Relations, Press Information Department; Zain Usmani, CSO/DPA, TSM Ship Management (Pvt.) Ltd.; Khawaja Ahad Rehman, CEO, Allied Engineering & Services; Capt. Khalil-ur-Rehman, FICS, Chairman, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers – Pakistan Branch; and Capt. S. M. Farid Masud, FNI, Chairman, The Nautical Institute Pakistan Branch.
The event was chaired by Capt. Ali Asghar Khan, FCILT, MNI Vice Chairman, The Nautical Institute Pakistan Branch.
Among the video messages shared were those by H.E. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General, IMO; Capt. John Lloyd, Chief Executive, The Nautical Institute (UK); Krishnan Subhramaniam, Chairman, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (UK); and Simon Grainge, Chief Executive, ISWAN.
The Chief Guest, Vice Admiral Abdul Muneeb HI(M), S Bt., (COMPAK), emphasised the importance of translating maritime policies into practical action and advancing maritime excellence in line with this year’s theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” while highlighting the vital role of the Pakistan Navy in safeguarding Pakistan’s maritime interests, ensuring maritime security, and supporting the sustainable development of the country’s maritime sector.
Other key speakers included Capt. Farid Masud, Chairman, The Nautical Institute Pakistan Branch; Madam Irum Tanveer Odho, Director General, Press Information Department; Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas HI(M), Managing Director, Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works; and Zain Usmani, CSO/DPA, TSM Ship Management (Pvt.) Ltd. The speakers emphasised the significance of this year’s theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” highlighting the need to transform maritime policies, strategies, and commitments into practical and measurable actions. They stressed that achieving maritime excellence requires stronger coordination, shared responsibility, and unified efforts across the maritime sector to enhance safety, efficiency, sustainability, and the overall development of Pakistan’s maritime industry.
A vote of thanks and appreciation was delivered by Syed Kamran A. Mahmoodi, Managing Director, “M” International Group, expressing gratitude to the distinguished guests, speakers, participants, sponsors, and all those who contributed to the successful conduct of the event.
The technical session, chaired by Rear Admiral Syed Hasan Nasir Shah (R), HI(M), Former Chairman, Port Qasim Authority, and Ms. Ayesha Masood Khawaja, FCILT, Executive Director, SeaCare Pakistan, serving as Rapporteur, featured six insightful research presentations addressing the IMO’s theme. The session brought together experts from across the maritime sector to share their perspectives, experiences, and practical approaches to advancing maritime excellence. Speakers included:
a. Dr. Mushayida Mairaj – The Role of Green Port Strategies for Maritime Ecosystem Conservation.
b. Commodore Syed Nouman Ali, TI(M) – Pakistan Navy’s Benign Roles in National Maritime Excellence.
c. Capt. Adeel Farooq, MICS – Cnergyico’s SPM - Anchoring Pakistan’s Energy Security.
d. Dr. Muhammad Idrees – Beyond Compliance: Building A Culture of Maritime Excellence
e. Capt. Afzal Shaikh – Transforming Maritime Policies into Effective Practices
f. Dr. Samina Kidwai – The Strategies Role of Higher Education in Pakistan’s Maritime Future-Building The Human Capital
The session concluded with closing remarks by the Session Chairperson, Rear Admiral Syed Hasan Nasir Shah (R) HI(M), followed by an expression of gratitude by Obaid Fattah, Managing Director, ScanCom Trading & Shipping Ltd., expressed his appreciation to the speakers and presenters for their valuable and insightful papers, which enriched the session and provided participants with valuable knowledge and practical insights.
The closing session, attended by leading maritime professionals and their families, featured remarks by Rear Admiral Syed Muazzam Ilyas (R) HI(M), Chairman, Port Qasim Authority. He appreciated the efforts behind organising such an impactful event and highlighted the importance of translating maritime policies and strategies into practical action, in line with this year’s IMO theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” He further emphasised the potential of Pakistan’s Blue Economy, noting that its effective development and utilisation could contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth, employment opportunities, and overall maritime prosperity.
The session commenced with a welcome address by Capt. Ali Asghar Khan, FCILT, Vice Chairman, The Nautical Institute Pakistan Branch, followed by an overview of the objectives and significance of the event presented by the organiser, Syed Adnan Ahmad Mahmoodi, FCILT, MNI, MICS, CEO, M International Group and Honorary Secretary, The Nautical Institute Pakistan Branch and The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Pakistan Branch.
At the conclusion of the closing session, the ‘Mahmoodi’s Excellence Award’, introduced by the Maritime Training Institute in 2024, was presented by Syed Adnan Ahmed Mahmoodi to Capt. Afzal Shaikh, HOD Nautical & Logistics Studies, Maritime Training Institute (Pvt.) Ltd., in recognition of his outstanding contribution to maritime education and professional training.
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