The increasing tensions between Iran and the United States have put a temporary halt to Pakistan’s plans to initiate its first international ferry service to Iran. Consequently, the license holder has restructured their plans, focusing on a Karachi-Gwadar passenger and cargo service first, as reported by officials.
Pakistan has recently issued its first international ferry service license, which is part of a larger initiative to enhance maritime relations with its regional partners. The new licensing policy allows licensed operators to initiate passenger ferry services between Pakistan and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Iran. The new licensing policy aims to introduce much-needed clarity to the sector, encourage private investment, and enhance regional trade and people-to-people ties, as stated by officials.
The Maritime Affairs Ministry has issued the first license to Sea Keepers, an international ferry service operator, for routes connecting Pakistan to Iran and GCC countries. Sources close to the matter have revealed that Sea Keepers had intended to begin operations on the Gwadar-Iran route, with return fares expected to be around Rs50,000. A ferry with a capacity for 250 passengers has already been contracted for the service.
However, the rising tensions between Iran and the United States have put the launch of the Pakistan-Iran route into question. Due to the geopolitical instability, the new service will now begin with a Karachi-Gwadar route first, putting Iran’s route on the backburner for the time being.
The ferry license has finally been granted after a wait of almost five years, during which time the application has been considered by a series of ministries. In preparation for international projects, a separate terminal has been established at Gwadar Port to handle passengers and ferries.
This development is a result of the vigorous efforts of Federal Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, who has acted on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to bring Gwadar Port into fuller use and to expand maritime connectivity with neighboring countries. The minister has explained that the ferry service could help ease congestion on overburdened land routes and provide a more economical alternative to air transport, which would be particularly beneficial for overseas and religious missions of Pakistan.
According to sources, initial proposals involved the use of modern ships from Karachi and Gwadar, with the necessary facilities to ensure safe and economical travel. However, more routes and ports are also in the offing, subject to demand and bilateral agreements.
Outside Iran, Pakistan has proposed ferry services with Oman and encouraged Turkiye to join hands in shipbuilding and sea transport initiatives. The federal cabinet has already approved the import of passenger and cargo ferries to Oman, considering Gwadar as a launchpad to give a fillip to trade, tourism, and blue economy projects.
It is expected that a Gwadar-Oman ferry service will open up significant economic opportunities, including increased trade, investment, and transit earnings, besides integrating the region more closely through the Arabian Sea.
