SIFC Revives Historic Shipbuilding Project, Strengthening Pakistan’s Maritime Future

The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has played a pivotal role in reviving the 1100 TEU Containership Project, enabling Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW) to locally build Pakistan’s first large commercial vessel for the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) after 40 years. 


Valued at $24.75 million, this contract allows PNSC to acquire the vessel at a significantly lower cost than international market prices, saving millions in foreign exchange and strengthening Pakistan’s maritime industry.  


This project positions PNSC to expand its share in the national feeder container business, reducing reliance on foreign shipping companies and boosting Pakistan’s economic self-reliance in maritime trade.  


SIFC revived the project within a span of 4 months (which was stalled for last 277 days) through proactive engagement and consensus building amongst various stakeholders. The timely intervention of SIFC has been instrumental in reopening a historic chapter of commercial shipbuilding, marking a major step toward revitalizing Pakistan’s blue economy.