ISLAMABAD – For the first time in history, Marine Services Specialised Unitto be established in Pakistan by Pakistan National Shipping Corporation(PNSC).
PNSC is planning to acquire two new pilot boats in order to set up aspecialized unit of marine services at the local level with an initialinvestment of up to $20 million.
The establishment of marine facilities needs navigation towers and varioussatellite communications, and networking equipment besides a major sectionof carrying pilot boats.
In Pakistan, the pilotage services are rendered by various internationalcompanies against handsome charges which are usually given in Dollars bythe ports on behalf of local shipping lines. These foreign companiesrepatriate millions of Dollars every year to their homeland.——————————
Official sources said that the state-owned company plans to establish amarine service facility for the first time on a national level startingfrom Karachi Port and then Port Qasim and Gwadar Port.
In addition to ports, local refineries and power-producing units will alsoreceive marine shipping services for ships bringing crude oil and fuel suchas LNG for their requirement. Hence, marine services could be scaled up toa wider level throughout the country.
There are at least 15 pilot boats required to replace the foreign entitiesin Pakistan that will ultimately make the country self-sufficient in thisparticular field. This facility will save the precious foreign exchange ofthe country and also provide high-skilled job opportunities to local masses.
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After induction, the two pilot boats shall be used for various lawfulservices required round the clock. The basic purpose of the pilot boats isintended as a dedicated ship/vessel to assist in pilotage operations alongwith the following basic duties:
– Escort of carrier / other vessels. – Assistance for external salvage operations. – Assistance for Conservancy Services. – Search & Rescue.
The pilot boats will be duly classed, ocean-going, and capable of deep-seanavigation in all-weather to fulfill multiple roles and compatible with seaconditions and the environment of the Arabian Sea.
The facility of marine services will be established in a period of morethan a year. After tapping the local market, the pilot boats could beutilized for providing services to seaports of different countries.
