ISLAMABAD: In a significant boost to bilateral scientific cooperation, thePakistan Navy has deployed its advanced survey vessel PNS Behr Masah tosupport a joint oceanographic cruise with China. This mission, facilitatedthrough the National Hydrographic Office, involves collaboration betweenPakistan’s National Institute of Oceanography and China’s Second Instituteof Oceanography. The cruise aims to deepen understanding of marineenvironments in Pakistani waters, marking a pivotal step in shared maritimeresearch efforts between the two all-weather allies.
The deployment underscores the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to advancingmarine scientific research and promoting maritime awareness. PNS BehrMasah, a state-of-the-art 3,000-ton vessel commissioned in 2019 and builtin China, is equipped with sophisticated hydrographic and oceanographicinstruments. These include multibeam echo sounders, side-scan sonars, andgeophysical survey tools capable of mapping seafloors from shallow coastalareas to deeper offshore regions in the North Arabian Sea.
This joint endeavour builds on a long-standing partnership in marinesciences. Previous collaborations have included expeditions focused ongeological surveys and the establishment of cooperative frameworks throughmemorandums of understanding. The current cruise is expected to yieldcritical data on coastal and offshore dynamics, including water currents,sediment patterns, and environmental variations that influence Pakistan’smaritime domain.
Researchers anticipate that findings from the mission will enhanceassessments of marine ecosystems and resource potential. The North ArabianSea, a vital region for Pakistan’s exclusive economic zone spanning over240,000 square kilometres, hosts diverse marine life and potentialhydrocarbon reserves. Improved oceanographic knowledge could informsustainable fishing practices, pollution monitoring, and climate changeadaptation strategies for coastal communities.
The involvement of PNS Behr Masah highlights the vessel’s versatilitybeyond traditional hydrography. Since its induction, it has replaced olderplatforms like PNS Behr Paima, enabling more frequent and extensivescientific cruises. This support allows civilian scientists from theNational Institute of Oceanography to conduct multidisciplinary studies,integrating physical, chemical, and biological oceanography.
Such initiatives align with broader regional efforts to understandoceanographic conditions in the Indian Ocean basin. Data collected couldcontribute to international databases, aiding global models on sea levelrise and monsoon patterns that affect South Asia. The cruise alsoexemplifies how military-civilian synergies can advance national prioritiesin blue economy development.
Experts note that enhanced bilateral cooperation in ocean sciencesstrengthens strategic ties. With China operating advanced research fleetsand Pakistan leveraging naval assets for peaceful purposes, thispartnership facilitates technology transfer and capacity building. YoungPakistani researchers may benefit from training opportunities offeredthrough associated programmes.
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The outcomes are poised to support informed policymaking on maritimeplanning. Better comprehension of environmental patterns could optimiseport operations, offshore energy exploration, and disaster preparednessalong Pakistan’s 1,046-kilometre coastline. This mission thus represents aforward-looking investment in sustainable marine governance.
As the cruise progresses, it reinforces the enduring Pakistan-Chinafriendship in non-traditional domains. By pooling resources and expertise,both nations are contributing to a broader understanding of the NorthArabian Sea’s complex dynamics, with potential benefits extending toregional stability and scientific progress.
Source: https://niopk.gov.pk/
Tags: Pakistan Navy, PNS Behr Masah, National Institute of Oceanography,Second Institute of Oceanography, North Arabian Sea
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