Harmonizing the intrnational legal framework for the development of green maritime initiatives in the shipping industry of Pakistan

Abstract

The entire world of shipping is shifting towards new green maritime initiatives to reduce and reverse environmental degradation and align towards sustainable development goals. However, Pakistan's maritime sector is confronted with the serious challenges of making its maritime industries eco-friendly as well as efficient and sustainable while incurring all the harmful effects of climate impact and economic inefficiencies. The lack of a harmonized legal framework, such as the Hong Kong Convention (HKC), MARPOL, and the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC), has further intensified environmental concerns and hindered Pakistan's integration into the global green shipping movement. The research discusses the gaps in Pakistan's maritime regulatory framework, assessing its compliance with international legal instruments that relate to green shipping, ship recycling, and emission control. The study assesses the role of key stakeholders: government agencies, shipowners, and international regulatory bodies in enhancing sustainable maritime governance. Using comparative legal analysis, this study develops policy recommendations to realign Pakistan's shipping regulations to global best green practice. The findings of this study indicate that a harmonized legal framework for shipbuilding and recycling, strengthening environmental compliance mechanisms, and public-private partnerships are crucial for transforming Pakistan's shipping industry into an environmentally sustainable sector. This research insists on green maritime development by offering a comprehensive legal and policy roadmap for Pakistan's integration into the global green shipping movement set by IMO. The findings, of this thesis will, inform policymakers and stakeholders about, pressing threats, to shipping industry, and facilitate the development of green initiatives in shipping yards of Pakistan.