Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Friday announced the launch of an online ship and boat registration system, allowing vessel owners to submit applications electronically without visiting government offices. In a statement, the minister said the registration modules are now fully operational following the completion of necessary preparations.
He said the initiative will reduce paperwork, save applicants time and money, improve transparency, and help maintain an updated national database of registered vessels. The Mercantile Marine Department (MMD), under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, is responsible for registering merchant ships, fishing boats, sailing vessels, and harbour craft under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance and related laws.
The ministry is also working to introduce online payments. A meeting between MMD officials and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has been scheduled to discuss integrating an electronic payment mechanism into the system.
This move is aimed at streamlining the entire registration process from start to finish. The online payment facility is expected to become operational within 15 days, allowing applicants to pay registration fees electronically through a single payment link, the minister said.
He added that the digital database could also support climate resilience in coastal areas by providing information on fishing vessels and their owners. Linked with climate-risk mapping, cyclone early-warning systems, and fisheries management, the database could help authorities identify vulnerable fishing communities, improve emergency response, and facilitate timely evacuations during extreme weather events.
The minister stated that the initiative is part of the government's efforts to digitalise maritime administration and improve public service delivery. Furthermore, the government plans to integrate this system with other national maritime security databases to ensure better monitoring of coastal traffic.
This integration will assist the Pakistan Navy and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) in maintaining maritime domain awareness. The transition to a digital platform is expected to eliminate the role of middlemen, who often complicate the registration process for small boat owners.
By providing a direct interface, the ministry aims to empower local fishermen and small-scale vessel operators. Industry experts have welcomed the move, noting that digitisation is essential for the growth of the blue economy in Pakistan.
The ability to track vessel registration status in real-time will also assist in international compliance and safety standards. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has also set up a dedicated help desk to assist users who may face technical difficulties during the initial phase of the rollout.
Officials are optimistic that the system will see high adoption rates within the first few months. Ultimately, this digital transformation reflects the broader national agenda of 'Digital Pakistan,' aiming to bring transparency and efficiency to all government departments through modern technological solutions.