China’s Shandong Xinxu Group has expressed strong interest in developing a multi-billion-euro Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex (IMIC) at Port Qasim, a move that could significantly revitalise Pakistan’s maritime and heavy industrial landscape.
The proposal was formally presented by a five-member high-level delegation of Shandong Xinxu Group during a meeting with Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Chaudhry. The delegation was led by the company’s chairman, Hou Jianxin, who outlined the contours of the ambitious project, estimated to cost between €1 billion and €2 billion.
Discussions focused on the establishment of a comprehensive IMIC at Port Qasim, with the minister inviting the Chinese group to submit an unsolicited proposal detailing a clear roadmap for implementation. He stressed that the proposal should include well-defined core concepts, phased execution plans and detailed technical, financial and environmental feasibility studies.
The proposed complex comprises three key components: revival of the Iron Ore and Coal Berth (IOCB) Jetty, also known as the steel jetty; development of modern shipbuilding and ship-breaking facilities; and establishment of a steel mill integrated with port operations. The IOCB jetty, originally designed to support Pakistan Steel Mills, can handle vessels of 55,000 to 75,000 deadweight tons and is linked to the steel mill through a dedicated conveyor system spanning up to eight kilometres.
Following submission of the proposal, a joint committee from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Shandong Xinxu Group, led by Additional Secretary Umar Zafar Sheikh, will evaluate the plan.
Branded the “Steel-to-Green Sea” initiative, the IMIC concept aims to integrate ship recycling with domestic steel production, reduce import dependence and position Port Qasim as a regional hub for heavy industry and logistics.
