In a major step toward improving regional connectivity and easing international travel, Pakistan has granted its first international ferry license—clearing the way for a new sea route linking the country to the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and other Gulf nations.
The license, awarded to global ferry operator Sea Keepers, was approved after a multi-agency meeting involving top officials from Pakistan’s ministries of Maritime Affairs, Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Interior, alongside the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation and port authorities.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, described the move as a “landmark milestone,” aligning with the national maritime policy and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s push to integrate Pakistan more deeply with its regional neighbors.
“This ferry service is not just about transport—it’s a platform for economic growth, regional cooperation, and easier access for pilgrims and overseas workers,” Chaudhry noted.
What to Expect from the New Service
The ferry operations will begin from Karachi and Gwadar, with modern vessels equipped to handle both comfort and safety for long-distance sea travel. Initial destinations will include ports in Iran and GCC countries, with room to expand depending on demand and future bilateral arrangements.
The primary target audience? Pakistani pilgrims heading to Iran and Iraq, workers seeking jobs in Gulf countries, and tourists looking for a more cost-effective alternative to air travel.
By offering a cheaper mode of transport compared to flights, the ferry aims to ease the burden on land border crossings and reduce logistical costs for travelers.
Boosting the Blue Economy
This move is part of a larger strategy to revitalize Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure and develop its underutilized “blue economy.” With better sea-based links, the government hopes to improve trade logistics, promote maritime tourism, and establish a more sustainable regional transport network.
Pakistan’s coastline—spanning over 1,000 kilometers—has long been considered an untapped asset. With this new ferry initiative, officials are signaling a shift toward leveraging that potential.
As the ferry service prepares to set sail, it marks more than just a new route—it signals Pakistan’s broader intention to integrate more fully with the region through smarter, sea-based connectivity.
