Infrastructure upgrades include a hospital, labour colony, waste-treatment systems, roads and solar power facilities
KARACHI: Work has begun on a Rs12 billion project to modernise the Gadani shipbreaking yard, with infrastructure upgrades aimed at bringing the facility in line with international safety and environmental standards, Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced on Thursday.
Chairing a steering committee meeting to review progress on the project, Junaid Chaudhry said physical construction was underway on key facilities, including a 30-bed hospital, labour colony, school and solar power infrastructure.
“Our objective is to transform Gadani’s traditional shipbreaking practices into a modern, safe, and environmentally responsible ship-recycling industry that meets global standards,” Junaid Chaudhry said.
He highlighted the yard’s important role in Pakistan’s steel-scrap market and industrial supply chains, stressing the need to upgrade its infrastructure and operational standards.
Gadani project includes industrial and social infrastructure
The project covers both social and industrial infrastructure and includes 32 kilometres of internal roads, a public park, hazardous and industrial waste-treatment systems, fire and rescue stations and dedicated water-treatment facilities.
The infrastructure upgrades are intended to improve working conditions, environmental management and emergency response capabilities at the shipbreaking yard.
Project Director Saeed Ahmed Umrani briefed the committee that implementation had entered the active procurement and construction phase, supported by a federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) allocation of Rs780 million for 2026–27.
Gadani overhaul targets international ship-recycling standards
The modernisation project aims to bring the Gadani shipbreaking yard in line with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.
The convention provides international standards for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships, including requirements relating to worker safety and the management of hazardous materials and waste.
Junaid Chaudhry directed the project authorities to maintain implementation momentum and ensure that all new infrastructure meets strict operational benchmarks.
The modernisation of Gadani is expected to strengthen the yard’s infrastructure while supporting safer and more environmentally responsible ship-recycling practices.