China’s Shandong Xinxu Group has expressed strong support for Pakistan’s Sea to Steel initiative at Port Qasim. The firm has agreed to submit a comprehensive feasibility study for the proposed Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex.
The project was discussed during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. Once the study is submitted, authorities will conduct a detailed review before making a final decision.
Project Overview
The Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex is designed as a flagship initiative to modernize Pakistan’s industrial and maritime infrastructure. The plan includes upgraded port facilities, shipbuilding and recycling capabilities, and an integrated steel mill.
At its core, the project will revitalize the Iron Ore and Coal Berth jetty, supporting ship recycling and repair activities. Scrap materials from these operations will feed into domestic steel production, reducing reliance on imported raw materials.
Branded as the Sea to Steel Green Maritime Industrial Corridor, the initiative aims to link maritime assets with industrial output. The goal is to create a sustainable, self-reliant steel ecosystem within the country.
Chinese Feasibility Study
Shandong Xinxu’s feasibility study will cover several critical areas. These include financial impact assessments, structural and hydrographic analysis, and detailed risk evaluations. The study will provide a roadmap for the project’s execution and long-term viability.
Officials have emphasized that the study will guide decisions on investment, construction, and operational strategy. This approach ensures that the initiative meets both national development goals and international best practices.
Economic and Industrial Significance
If approved, the Sea to Steel project could become one of Pakistan’s largest maritime and industrial investments in recent years. It has the potential to position Port Qasim as a regional hub for heavy industry, logistics, and steel production.
The project aligns with broader efforts to modernize industrial operations, enhance port efficiency, and support local manufacturing. Furthermore, the initiative is expected to generate jobs, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen Pakistan’s steel and maritime sectors.
Strategic Advantages
Authorities highlight the strategic value of linking maritime infrastructure with domestic industrial capacity. By integrating ship recycling and steel production, the project promotes circular resource usage and sustainability. Additionally, local steel production will reduce dependency on imported materials, strengthening national supply chains.
The government and Shandong Xinxu Group aim to complete the feasibility study promptly, setting the stage for potential approval and implementation.
