Pakistan has taken a landmark step toward maritime self-reliance with the establishment of National Dredging & Marine Services (Pvt) Ltd (NDMS), a joint venture of National Logistics Corporation (NLC), Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Port Qasim Authority (PQA), and Gwadar Port Authority (GPA).
Formed under the directives of the Government of Pakistan, NDMS will carry out capital and maintenance dredging, siltation management, and hydrographic surveys at Pakistani ports. The initiative is expected to save billions in foreign exchange annually, which is currently spent on foreign dredging contractors, and instead build national assets and skilled manpower.
NDMS has been declared a strategic organization of national importance, tasked with ensuring safe and navigable port channels vital for trade, transit, and maritime defense preparedness. According to officials, the company will also serve as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s blue economy, fostering sustainable port operations and regional connectivity.
NDMS will not only safeguard foreign reserves but also create employment, transfer technology, and strengthen Pakistan’s maritime security.
The company has already initiated arrangements with international partners to procure dredgers and equipment while simultaneously building local human resource capacity. NDMS plans to expand operations regionally, making Pakistan a competitive player in the dredging and marine services industry.
Experts note that this move comes at a critical time when indigenous capacity in dredging is vital for long-term economic growth, trade facilitation, and national security.