Pakistan’s maritime sector could be on the brink of a major transformation as China’s Shandong Xinxu Group has proposed a large-scale integrated maritime and industrial project at Port Qasim. Estimated to be worth between €1 billion and €2 billion, the initiative stands out as one of the most significant foreign investment proposals in Pakistan’s maritime industry in recent years.
A five-member delegation from Shandong Xinxu Group, led by Chairman Hou Jianxin, recently met with Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Chaudhry to present the concept of an Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex (IMIC). The proposed project aims to revitalise Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure while strengthening its heavy industrial base.
Key Components of the Proposed IMIC
According to an official statement, the IMIC would consist of three major elements:
- Revival of the Iron Ore and Coal Berth (IOCB) Jetty, commonly known as the steel jetty
- Development of shipbuilding and shipbreaking facilities
- Establishment of a port-integrated steel mill
The IOCB jetty was originally designed to handle bulk cargo such as iron ore and coal, primarily for Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM). It is capable of accommodating vessels ranging from 55,000 to 75,000 deadweight tons (DWT) and is linked to steel mill facilities via a dedicated conveyor system stretching approximately 4.5 to 8 kilometres, connecting directly to stockyards and blast furnaces.
Strengthening Pakistan’s Industrial Ecosystem
Shandong Xinxu Group is a major Chinese high-tech enterprise with operations spanning renewable energy, battery manufacturing equipment, and large-scale industrial projects. The group has played an increasingly active role in investment and development initiatives across Pakistan’s maritime, mining, and industrial sectors.
During the meeting, Minister Chaudhry welcomed the group’s interest and requested the submission of a formal unsolicited proposal. He emphasised that the proposal should include a comprehensive roadmap, covering core project concepts, implementation strategies, and detailed feasibility studies addressing technical, financial, and environmental considerations.
Review Process and Strategic Alignment
Once submitted, the proposal will be reviewed by a joint committee comprising officials from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and representatives of Shandong Xinxu Group. The committee will be led by Additional Secretary Umar Zafar Sheikh.
The minister stressed the importance of ensuring that the project aligns with Pakistan’s broader industrial and sustainability objectives, particularly in terms of job creation, value addition, and environmentally responsible development.
A Vision First Introduced in 2025
The IMIC concept was first introduced by Minister Chaudhry in November 2025 during an event hosted by the Port Qasim Authority in Karachi, marking the port’s recognition as the world’s ninth most improved container port.
If approved, the proposed Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex could significantly enhance Port Qasim’s role as a regional hub for heavy industry and logistics, while marking a milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to attract large-scale, high-impact foreign investment.