Pakistan issues inaugural ferry permit for maritime journeys to Iran and Gulf nations
In a significant move towards enhancing maritime travel and regional connectivity, the Government of Pakistan has approved the first international ferry service license for the UK-based company, Sea Keepers. This license will allow Sea Keepers to operate passenger ferry routes between Pakistan, Iran, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman 135.
The ferry service, initially planned to operate from Karachi and Gwadar ports, will utilise modern vessels equipped with essential amenities to ensure safe and affordable travel 135. The Karachi Port Trust is currently preparing the necessary terminals for immigration and customs processing. The inter-ministerial review process, involving the Ministries of Maritime Affairs, Defense, Foreign Affairs, Interior, and port authorities, ensured a thorough examination of Sea Keepers' proposal 135.
This initiative aligns with Pakistan’s National Maritime Policy and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of enhanced regional integration. The Federal Maritime Affairs Minister, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, described the move as a historic step, expecting it to:
- Enhance religious tourism, benefiting hundreds of thousands of pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq, especially amid recent restrictions on land routes to Iran.
- Facilitate travel for overseas workers and tourists going to GCC countries.
- Serve as a vital economic corridor by sea, positioning Gwadar as a central maritime hub.
- Help reduce travel costs and congestion on air and land routes by providing a cost-effective and efficient alternative.
- Promote regional economic cooperation and cross-border mobility via sustainable maritime transport 135.
Additional ferry licenses are expected to be issued soon, as several private sector companies have submitted proposals with the aim of expanding routes based on demand and future bilateral agreements 25.
The minister announced plans for the expansion of routes and port calls based on demand and bilateral agreements. The minister also emphasised the opportunity this license creates for boosting regional connectivity, religious tourism, and economic activity via sea routes. The minister stated that the move aligns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's vision and Pakistan's National Maritime Policy 135.
While no specific details about the new shipping lines or ferry service related to the Gwadar Port were provided, the minister did mention the launch of the ferry service as part of Pakistan's broader strategy to develop its blue economy 135.
In summary, the newly approved ferry service is poised to enhance regional connectivity, economic activity, and reduce travel costs by opening new sea travel and trade channels between Pakistan, Iran, and the GCC. The potential long-term benefits include improvements in tourism, labor mobility, and maritime trade 135.
Irra can look forward to a more convenient travel option, as the newly approved ferry service is set to operate from Karachi and Gwadar ports, offering modern vessels equipped with essential amenities for safe and affordable travel. With this initiative, Irra might also explore the possibility of visiting other GCC countries economically, aligning with the vision of enhanced regional integration advocated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
