Soaring fuel costs push up boat-making cost in Karachi’s coastal areas

KARACHI: The rising cost of fuel has significantly increased the expenses of traditional boat manufacturing in coastal areas of Karachi, including Ibrahim Hyderi, industry workers say.

According to boat builders, the cost of constructing a standard fishing launch has risen from around Rs500,000 to Rs700,000, while medium-sized vessels have also seen an increase of approximately Rs200,000 in production costs.

Boat construction in the region relies heavily on expensive imported and high-quality timber, including sheesham, Burma teak, deodar, African wood and other specialised materials used for durability and performance in marine conditions.

Pakistan’s traditional boat-building craftsmanship is also recognised internationally, with demand and appreciation reported in countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Iran.

In Karachi’s historic fishing settlement of Ibrahim Hyderi, artisans are engaged not only in building new launches but also in repairing older vessels.

These boats are often decorated with intricate paintwork and designs that reflect the skill of local craftsmen.

However, the surge in fuel and material costs has begun to strain the industry. Local boat builders, known as “wadda” in the community, say they are increasingly concerned about the impact of inflation on their livelihoods.

Karachi’s coastal areas, including the Fish Harbour, continue to produce a wide range of fishing vessels—from small boats carrying just two fishermen to large deep-sea launches capable of storing up to 100 tonnes of catch.