Pakistan Forms First National Dredging Company for Port Growth

A new era begins as Pakistan reduces reliance on foreign dredging firms

P.c. Gwadar Port Authority

Pakistan Forms First National Dredging Company for Port Growth


In a landmark move to transform its maritime infrastructure, Pakistan has officially launched the National Dredging and Marine Services (NDMS) company—marking the country’s first-ever state-backed dredging initiative. This strategic step is designed to reduce reliance on foreign contractors and lower operational expenses across its key port facilities.

P.c. Gwadar Port Authority

NDMS has been established through a collaborative effort involving major port stakeholders, including the Port Qasim Authority, Karachi Port Trust, Gwadar Port Authority, and the National Logistics Corporation. The company aims to deliver environmentally sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective dredging and marine services across Pakistan's critical seaports.

Operations are slated to commence in October 2025, with capital dredging at Port Qasim—one of Pakistan’s busiest and most vital deep-sea ports—as its first major assignment. By establishing local dredging capabilities, Pakistan will ensure uninterrupted port operations, improve logistics efficiency, accelerate cargo movement, and significantly cut down maintenance costs.

This development is part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize the shipping and logistics sector, bolster regional trade, and increase Pakistan’s maritime competitiveness on the global stage. With NDMS now in place, the nation is not only enhancing its operational autonomy but also creating avenues for employment, self-reliance, and sustainable economic growth within the maritime industry.