Ferry service connection established between Pakistan and Gulf nations announced as new undertaking
Pakistan Launches First International Ferry Service
Pakistan has taken a significant step towards boosting its maritime presence and promoting regional integration by approving its first-ever international ferry service. The service, operated by the UK-based operator Sea Keepers, will connect Pakistan with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, starting from the ports of Karachi and Gwadar.
The decision to grant the ferry service license followed a comprehensive review by a high-level committee involving multiple ministries and maritime authorities. The initiative aims to establish vital sea routes, revive maritime activity, and stimulate economic activities in the region.
The ferry service is expected to serve multiple purposes. It will boost regional connectivity by linking Pakistan with Iran and Gulf states such as the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman. It will also promote religious tourism, facilitating the travel of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims annually to Iran and Iraq.
For workers, tourists, and the Pakistani diaspora traveling to GCC countries, the ferry service offers a cost-effective and affordable alternative to air and land travel, thereby reducing travel costs and alleviating pressure on congested land routes.
The ferry service is also part of a broader strategy to revive maritime activity as part of Pakistan’s national maritime policy. The policy focuses on developing the blue economy, improving trade logistics, and encouraging maritime tourism.
The new ferry route aims to fill the gap left by Iran's closing of its borders to land travel for pilgrims. The ferry service plans to offer direct sea travel from Pakistan to Iran, with future expansions to other GCC countries.
The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) will regulate ferry operations and ensure technical compliance and service quality. The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) is preparing to hand over facilities to immigration and customs authorities for processing.
Ferry terminals have already been set up at Karachi and Gwadar ports. Plans include expansion of routes and port calls based on demand and bilateral agreements, with more ferry licenses expected to be issued to private companies in the near future.
The introduction of ferry services offers a cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable alternative for international travel and trade. It is heralded as a historic and strategic move to stimulate economic activities, strengthen regional trade, and promote sustainable regional connectivity by sea.
Gwadar port is expected to be positioned as a central maritime hub due to the ferry service. The service can help reduce transport costs for both passengers and cargo, making it an attractive option for businesses and travellers alike.
The approval of the ferry service comes as a response to growing pressure from one million Pakistani pilgrims who travel annually to Iraq for Arbaeen. The ferry service is expected to boost trade, tourism, and Pakistan's blue economy, setting the stage for regional economic integration and cooperation.
- The introduction of the international ferry service between Pakistan, Iran, and GCC countries is a significant step in Pakistan's national maritime policy, aimed at reviving maritime activity and stimulating economic activities in the region.
- For many pilgrims annually traveling to Iraq for Arbaeen, the new ferry service offers an alternative to land travel, particularly as Iran has closed its borders for this purpose.
- The ferry service, expected to serve various purposes, will boost regional connectivity, promote religious tourism, and provide cost-effective travel options for workers, tourists, and the Pakistani diaspora traveling to GCC countries.
- The Gwadar port, with the new ferry service, will position itself as a central maritime hub, offering a sustainable and efficient transport option for both passengers and cargo, thereby helping reduce transport costs and attracting businesses and travelers alike.
