NDMS starts dredging operations at Karachi’s Port Qasim
Pakistan's new National Dredging and Marine Services (NDMS) company has commenced operations at Port Qasim, aiming to boost indigenous port maintenance, save foreign exchange, and enhance maritime self-reliance.
- Formation and purpose of the NDMS company.
- Addressing Pakistan's historical reliance on foreign dredging.
- Expected foreign exchange savings and future expansion plans.
The National Dredging and Marine Services (NDMS) company has formally commenced dredging operations at Karachi’s Port Qasim, a statement said on Saturday.
Dredging is a critical prerequisite for efficient port operations. However, due to non existence of indigenous dredging capability, the capital dredging at Pakistan’s ports had not been undertaken since 1980 restricting the port’s ability to accommodate larger vessels.
Consequently, dredging activities had to be outsourced to foreign companies leading to a substantial outflow of valuable foreign exchange.
Last year, the government established the NDMS company.
As a joint initiative, NDMS company brings together the expertise of National Logistics Corporation (NLC), Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Port Qasim Authority (PQA) and Gwadar Port Authority (GPA).
“NDMS company has formally commenced dredging operations at Port Qasim marking the beginning of a new era in indigenous port maintenance capabilities,” the statement read.
By reducing reliance on international contractors, NDMS is expected to yield substantial savings in foreign exchange while promoting self-reliance in critical maritime operations.
“NDMS will ensure optimal navigational depth and uninterrupted functionality of Port Qasim through deployment of modern, efficient and internationally compliant dredging solutions. NDMS plans to extend its dredging to international ports in future. The dredging operations will help in port expansion,” the statement said.
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