China’s Shandong Xinxu explores investment in Pakistan’s maritime industrial corridor

China’s Shandong Xinxu Group has expressed strong interest in the Sea-to-Steel initiative at Port Qasim, Karachi.

The Chinese firm has agreed to submit a comprehensive unsolicited feasibility study for the proposed Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex (IMIC), read a statement on Friday.

The development came during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, held to accelerate the Sea-to-Steel Initiative at Port Qasim.

The meeting centred on the IMIC, a flagship initiative to modernise industrial operations through port infrastructure upgrades, shipbuilding and recycling facilities, and an integrated steel mill.

Representatives from China’s Shandong Xinxu Group and senior Ministry of Maritime Affairs officials attended the meeting. Port Qasim Authority Chairman Rear Admiral (R) Syed Moazzam Ilyas participated via video link from Karachi.

The IMIC features three core components, including the revival and upgrading of the Iron Ore and Coal Berth (IOCB) jetty. This facility will handle ship recycling and repair, with the resulting scrap used to revive the steel mill.

Branded the “Sea-to-Steel Green Maritime Industrial Corridor,” the project connects ship recycling with domestic steel production to cut reliance on imported raw materials and leverage recyclable scrap.

The Chinese group, which has shown keen interest, will submit a comprehensive unsolicited feasibility study, including financial impact assessments, structural and hydrographic analyses, and quantitative risk evaluations, read the statement.

Chaudhry positioned IMIC as a key driver of the blue economy, creating industrial value through maritime assets.

“Once submitted, the proposal will undergo thorough review before any decision,” Chaudhry stated. “If approved, IMIC would rank among Pakistan’s largest recent maritime and industrial investments, cementing Port Qasim as a regional hub for heavy industry and logistics.”

Chaudhry noted that such integrated recycling, manufacturing, and logistics projects could reduce steel imports and spur domestic production.

The minister stressed that approval of the project hinges on alignment with national priorities that are job creation, value addition, and sustainable development standards.