Journal of Nautical Eye and Strategic Studies

Role of Ports and Berths in Shaping Trade in Indian Ocean Countries

2025-07-01T06:56:33+00:00

This study evaluates the strategic importance of ports and berths in the Indian Ocean, assessing their impact on maritime trade and national development indicators such as the Logistic Performance Index (LPI) and Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA) scores. The research finds a significant positive correlation between the number of ports and berths and trade openness, suggesting that robust port facilities significantly boost a country's trade relative to its GDP. Furthermore, nations with well-developed ports and numerous berths exhibit higher LPI scores, indicating efficient logistics operations. Additionally, a strong link between extensive maritime infrastructure and higher CPIA scores demonstrates the critical synergy between effective maritime facilities and improved policy frameworks. These findings highlight the essential role of maritime infrastructure in enhancing economic development and optimizing logistics and policy environments in the Indian Ocean region.

Blue Economy - Prospects & Challenges for Pakistan

2025-07-01T07:32:50+00:00

This study explores the Blue Economy: Prospects and Challenges for Pakistan, emphasizing the sustainable use of maritime resources for economic development and national security. It reviews global best practices, highlights the significance of equitable access to resources, and examines Pakistan’s key maritime sectors shipping, seafood, maritime infrastructure, coastal tourism, and resource exploration within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Anchored in Structural Realism, the research argues that strengthening the blue economy is essential for reducing Pakistan’s economic vulnerabilities and enhancing state power in a competitive geopolitical environment. Employing a predominantly qualitative approach, supported by relevant quantitative data, the study underscores the need for Pakistan to shift from a land-centric to a maritime-focused development model. Strategic recommendations call for policy reforms, investment in maritime industries, and integration of the Blue Economy into national plans like Vision 2025. A comprehensive framework combining environmental, social, and political considerations is vital for sustainable outcomes. Ultimately, the paper concludes that strong political will and regional cooperation are key to unlocking Pakistan’s maritime potential and achieving long-term economic resilience and security.

A Sino-US Strategic Competition in the Indian Ocean Region: A Critical Analysis

2025-04-16T05:51:39+00:00

This article critically examines the intensifying strategic rivalry between the United States and China in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Anchored in Realist Security Theory, the study explores the geopolitical, military, and economic dimensions of Sino-US competition, focusing on strategic interests, military posturing, maritime security, and infrastructure-based economic engagements such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Strategy. Employing a qualitative methodology enriched by case studies of key regional nodes Gwadar Port, Djibouti, and Diego Garcia the research evaluates the impact of great power rivalry on regional stability and state autonomy. The paper also reviews policy responses by regional actors and outlines future scenarios, offering policy recommendations for mitigating conflict while maintaining regional balance and sovereignty.

Impact of Technology on Sustainable Management of Marine Shipping in Pakistan: Challenges and Prospects

2025-07-01T08:18:51+00:00

The marine shipping industry is vital to Pakistan’s economy, serving as a cornerstone of international trade. However, achieving sustainable management in this sector has become increasingly urgent due to environmental concerns, rising operational costs, and global competition. This paper explores the impact of technology on the sustainable management of marine shipping in Pakistan, highlighting key challenges and identifying opportunities for transformative progress. Artificial intelligence (AI) and technology offers transformative potential to address these challenges by enhancing operational efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and optimizing resource utilization. AI-driven solutions, such as predictive analytics, autonomous navigation, and real-time monitoring, can significantly improve fuel efficiency, cargo handling, and route optimization, paving the way for greener and more cost-effective shipping practices. Despite its promise, the adoption of latest technology in Pakistan’s marine shipping sector faces significant obstacles. High implementation costs limited technical expertise, and the lack of a robust regulatory framework hinder the seamless integration of AI technologies. Additionally, cybersecurity risks associated with digitalization and concerns about data privacy further complicate the process. Addressing these challenges requires strategic investment in capacity building, technological infrastructure, and policy reforms to create an environment conducive to AI-driven innovation. By fostering collaboration between the government, private sector, and technology providers, the industry can leverage AI to achieve sustainable growth. Initiatives such as adopting green technologies, implementing AI-powered port management systems, and developing skilled human resources can improve efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Ship- Source Marine Pollution, Legal Theory, Law and Practice: The Regime of Pakistan’s Perspective

2025-07-01T08:45:47+00:00

Ship-source pollution is a maritime menace which continues to harm the marine environment and also cause damage to persons and property, in particular, in the event of a serious oil spill. The international law governing such pollution is almost entirely contained in conventions addressing both the public as well as the private law dimensions of the subject. The principal purpose of this chapter is to address the private law side of the ship-source pollution equation focusing on a critical analysis of the legal regime in this field as it obtains in Pakistan, a common law jurisdiction. Pakistan is a party to the Civil Liability Convention, 1992 (CLC), but not to the Bunkers Convention of 2001. It is not as yet a party to the Fund Convention, 1992 but is looking to enter that convention. Pakistan is also not a party to the HNS Convention of 1996 modified by its 2010 Protocol. This chapter provides an overview of the legal theory of ship source marine pollution law from the perspective of both the private and public legal regimes in Pakistan. In conclusion, lacunae in the national law in both regimes are pointed out and commensurate proposals for their improvement and refinement are made.

Law Enforcement in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR): Role of Public and Private International Maritime Security Organizations for Effective Ocean Governance

2025-04-05T15:06:10+00:00

The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has emerged as a geostrategic and geopolitical entity which is the hub of global flows; particularly trade, commerce, regional connectivity, communication, and interplay of states and non-state actors in the region and still marked by strategic decisions made in accordance with state goals and interests. The involvement of non-state actors has made the region quite complex and widens the challenges of ocean governance in the region. Moreover, its choke points, Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), and natural resources make it attractive for all rational actors. The objectives of undertaken research are; to demonstrate the role of public and private organizations in ocean governance and to analyse the efficacy of public and private maritime security organizations in the IOR. The international institutions which are involved in maritime law enforcement are INTERPOL, IMO, Europol, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) which endeavours to ensure law under their mandates. Furthermore, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is the guide for law enforcement in the IOR and responsible for ensuring ocean governance. The undertaken research is descriptive and analytical in nature based on qualitative research methodology. Secondary data has been used in the undertaken research including research articles, books and reports besides blogs as a tertiary source. Furthermore, research has been analysed in the context of neo-liberal institutionalism.

Exploring Seabed Mining in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR): Policy and Governance Insights for Pakistan

2025-07-01T09:16:08+00:00

Deep Seabed Mining (DSM) has emerged as a critical avenue in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), primarily for key stakeholders like China and India. These nations have already identified DSM as a way to secure critical energy minerals and metals – necessary for green technology transformation, which could boost their economies and industrial capabilities. Despite having significant maritime territorial claims under UNCLOS, Pakistan is lagging behind in utilizing such an opportunity. This research paper aims to examine the deep seabed exploration and mining strategies of China and India to identify actionable policies for Pakistan to advance in DSM industry. This research relies on extensive qualitative and thematic analysis to analyze the technological, legal and environmental frameworks these nations have implemented to gain upper edge in DSM capabilities. Furthermore, this study identifies gaps that challenge Pakistan in its healthy participation in DSM program. Subsequently, the findings reveal that China’s centralized governance approach contrasts with India’s multi-institutional strategy. Based on these models, Pakistan should follow a coordinated step-by-step approach. This piece of research puts forth recommendations to reform the policy framework, enhance technological advancement through international collaborations for a balanced approach to initiate its seabed mining industry and addressing both environmental and economic concerns.