Pakistani mariners to serve aboard Norwegian-flagged ships under a new agreement

A new memorandum of understanding (MoU) agreed between the two countries will enable Pakistani seafarers to operate aboard Norwegian-flagged vessels, as stated by the Press Information Department (PID) on Tuesday.

The Memorandum of Understanding was executed by Saadia Altaf Qazi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Norway, and Alf Tore Sørheim, Norway’s Director General of Shipping and Navigation, according to the statement.

The accord acknowledges the training and certification of Pakistani seafarers, permitting them to operate on vessels registered under the Norwegian flag, the PID stated.

“This MoU will create new opportunities for our seafarers, enabling them to obtain employment on international vessels and to acquire exposure to advanced maritime practices,” quoted Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, according to the PID.

Chaudhry stated that the MoU would enhance employment prospects for Pakistani sailors and further fortify maritime collaboration between the two nations.

The PID stated that this was the inaugural agreement of this nature between Pakistan and Norway, signifying Islamabad’s expanding marine relations and adherence to international norms to enhance global employability.

Chaudhry stated that Pakistan has long pursued such an agreement to facilitate its sailors in earning overseas remittances.

“Access to vessels from Norway, a prominent maritime nation, ensures enhanced earnings and professional advancement,” he stated.

The minister stated that Pakistan is dedicated to enhancing its marine training to better integrate the nation’s workers into global shipping.