In a landmark move under its National Maritime Policy, Pakistan has issued its first-ever international ferry service license to Sea Keepers Private Limited, authorising the company to operate passenger routes connecting Pakistan with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
The license was approved during a high-level meeting of the inter-ministerial licensing committee, comprising officials from the ministries of Maritime Affairs, Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Interior, along with representatives from the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) and port authorities.
Ferry Service to Boost Regional Travel and Religious Tourism
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry hailed the development as a “historic milestone”, aligning with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision to strengthen regional connectivity, promote religious tourism, and stimulate economic activity via sea routes.
According to the Ministry, the ferry service is expected to serve hundreds of thousands of passengers annually, including Pakistani expatriate workers, tourists, and pilgrims travelling to Iran and Iraq. The initiative is also expected to ease pressure on land routes and offer a more affordable alternative to air travel.
Operations will initially launch from Karachi and Gwadar ports, using modern ferry vessels equipped with essential onboard amenities to ensure safe and comfortable travel. Future route expansions and additional port calls will be based on demand and bilateral agreements with partner countries.
Sea Keepers to Lead Operations
Sea Keepers Private Limited, a global maritime solutions provider with a presence in Pakistan, UAE, UK, and China, will lead the operations. The company is known for its sustainable and efficient marine engineering and logistics capabilities.
Last month, the Maritime Ministry revealed that five private firms had submitted proposals for new ferry routes from Gwadar to various Gulf destinations. The final license approval for Sea Keepers marks the beginning of formal international ferry operations from Pakistan.
Part of Pakistan’s Blue Economy and Trade Strategy
The launch of the ferry service is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to develop its blue economy, enhance trade competitiveness, and improve maritime logistics. The country also plans to cut container dwell time at seaports by up to 70% and recently slashed port charges for exporters by 50% at Port Qasim to attract more trade.
In the context of recent restrictions on land travel for pilgrims during Arbaeen, the ferry initiative is seen as a viable alternative for zaireen (pilgrims) heading to Iran and Iraq.
“The ferry service is not only a step toward regional integration but also a practical solution to improve access, reduce costs, and promote maritime tourism,” Minister Chaudhry stated.
The ministry has yet to announce an official start date for operations, but the initiative is already being seen as a transformative leap in Pakistan’s maritime connectivity and tourism development.
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