On April 28, 2026, Pakistan and Norway signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that enables Pakistani seafarers to serve on Norwegian-flagged ships. The agreement was signed by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Norway, Saadia Altaf Qazi, and Director General of Shipping and Navigation, Alf Tore Sørheim.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, hailed the Memorandum as a crucial development for Pakistan’s maritime workforce. He emphasized that the agreement would not only boost employment opportunities but also strengthen maritime cooperation between the two nations.
This MoU marks the first official arrangement of its kind between Pakistan and Norway. It ensures the recognition of Pakistani seafarers’ training and certification, aligning them with international standards acknowledged by Norwegian authorities. This alignment is expected to enhance the global employability of Pakistani seafarers.
Minister Chaudhry highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to expand opportunities for its seafaring community, which plays a vital role in generating foreign remittances. He noted that access to Norwegian vessels, a leading maritime nation, promises higher earnings and professional growth for Pakistani sailors.
The government remains committed to upgrading maritime training institutions and ensuring compliance with global conventions. These efforts aim to better integrate Pakistan’s maritime workforce into the international shipping industry, securing long-term benefits for the country’s economy through increased remittances and skilled employment abroad.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, April 29, 2026
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