Maritime ministry moves vessel registration online, targets digital payments within 15 days

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has activated a web-based vessel registration service and intends to add electronic fee collection within 15 days, Profit by Pakistan Today reported. Ship and boat operators can now start registration remotely, while the planned payment facility is expected to let them settle charges through one link.

Officials from the Mercantile Marine Department are due to meet the State Bank of Pakistan to work out the payment arrangements. The ministry says digitisation should cut paperwork and administrative expense, improve openness and create a central record of vessels. It also expects that information, combined with climate-risk tools and warning systems, to help authorities plan coastal evacuations and respond to severe weather.