Pakistan and China are advancing plans for a large-scale maritime industrial development at Port Qasim, as a delegation from China’s Shandong Xinxu Group held detailed discussions in Islamabad on establishing an Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex (IMIC), according to the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Chaudhry met the five-member delegation, led by Shandong Xinxu Group Chairman Hou Jianxin, to review the proposed project, which is expected to attract investment ranging from $1.1 billion to $2.2 billion.
Officials said the initiative is intended to revitalise Pakistan’s maritime and heavy industrial sectors and could rank among the country’s largest industrial investments in recent years.
Under the proposal, the IMIC would comprise three main components: the revival of the Iron Ore and Coal Berth jetty at Port Qasim—commonly known as the steel jetty—the establishment of shipbuilding and shipbreaking facilities, and the development of a modern steel mill integrated with port operations.
The steel jetty, originally constructed to serve Pakistan Steel Mills, is designed to handle bulk iron ore and coal cargoes and can accommodate vessels ranging from 55,000 to 75,000 deadweight tonnes. It is linked to the steel mill through a conveyor system spanning approximately 4.5 to 8 kilometres, connecting stockyards with blast furnaces.
The IMIC plan aims to restore and repurpose this existing infrastructure as the backbone of a new industrial ecosystem at the port.
Welcoming Shandong Xinxu Group’s interest, Chaudhry asked the company to submit an unsolicited proposal outlining a detailed roadmap for the project, including its concept, implementation schedule, and technical, financial and environmental feasibility.
Once submitted, the proposal will be assessed by a joint committee comprising officials from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and representatives of Shandong Xinxu Group, to be led by Additional Secretary Umar Zafar Sheikh. The minister emphasised that any agreement must align with Pakistan’s broader industrial and sustainability goals, particularly job creation, value addition and environmentally responsible practices.
The IMIC concept was first presented by Chaudhry in November 2025 during a Port Qasim Authority ceremony marking the port’s recognition as one of the world’s most improved container terminals. Branded as the “Steel-to-Green Sea” initiative, the plan seeks to integrate ship recycling with domestic steel production, reduce dependence on imported steel and promote the use of recyclable materials. If approved and implemented at the proposed scale, the complex could significantly enhance Port Qasim’s position as a regional hub for heavy manufacturing and maritime logistics, while further strengthening industrial cooperation between Pakistan and China.
