MoU with Norway opens jobs on Norwegian ships for Pakistani seafarers

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Norway that will allow Pakistani seafarers to work on Norwegian-flagged vessels, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.

The agreement was signed by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Norway Saadia Altaf Qazi and Director General of Shipping and Navigation Alf Tore Sørheim. Under the arrangement, the training and certification of Pakistani seafarers will be recognised, enabling them to serve on ships registered under the Norwegian flag.

The minister described the development as an important advance for Pakistan’s maritime workforce, saying it would create more employment opportunities and deepen maritime cooperation between Pakistan and Norway.

‘This MoU will open new avenues for our seafarers, allowing them not only to secure employment on international vessels but also to gain exposure to advanced maritime practices,’ Chaudhry said.

First such arrangement between Pakistan and Norway

Chaudhry said the pact is the first agreement of its kind between the two countries and reflects expanding ties in the maritime sector. He said the understanding brings Pakistani qualifications in line with international standards accepted by Norwegian authorities, which would improve the global employability of Pakistani seafarers.

He added that Pakistan has for a long time been seeking to widen opportunities for its seafaring community, which contributes significant foreign remittances. Access to vessels from Norway, which he described as a leading maritime nation, is expected to offer better earnings and professional development for Pakistani sailors.

Government focus on training and compliance

The minister also said the government remains committed to improving maritime training institutions and ensuring adherence to international conventions. According to the statement, these efforts are intended to help integrate Pakistan’s maritime workforce more effectively into the global shipping industry.

He said the broader objective is to secure long-term economic benefits for the country through higher remittances and skilled employment opportunities abroad.

The official statement presented the MoU as a step aimed at strengthening both workforce mobility and bilateral maritime engagement, while opening access for Pakistani seafarers to employment on Norwegian-flagged ships.