ISLAMABAD: — In a landmark move to strengthen regional connectivity and maritime trade, Pakistan has issued its first-ever international ferry service license to Sea Keepers Private Limited, a global marine engineering and logistics firm. The ferry routes will link Pakistan with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, according to a statement from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
The license approval followed a high-level meeting of the licensing committee, which included representatives from Pakistan’s ministries of maritime affairs, defense, foreign affairs, and interior, along with officials from the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) and ports and shipping authorities.
Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry hailed the development as a “historic step” aligned with the country’s National Maritime Policy. “This initiative will open new avenues for economic activity, religious tourism, and affordable sea travel, particularly for the Pakistani diaspora and pilgrims,” Chaudhry said.
Initial operations are slated to begin from Karachi and Gwadar ports, utilizing modern ferry vessels equipped with essential amenities to ensure comfort, safety, and affordability. While an official launch date has yet to be announced, authorities said the service would cater to hundreds of thousands of passengers annually, including workers traveling to GCC states and pilgrims heading to Iran and Iraq.
The ministry noted that route expansion and additional port calls would be considered based on bilateral agreements and demand trends.
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Sea Keepers, the licensed operator, has a global footprint with offices in Pakistan, the UAE, the UK, and China. The company is known for delivering sustainable and innovative marine solutions.
The move is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to revitalize its blue economy and capitalize on its strategic location for enhanced trade and tourism. It follows a series of maritime reforms, including a 50 percent reduction in port charges at Port Qasim for exporters and plans to reduce container dwell time at ports by up to 70 percent.
“The launch of this ferry service reflects Pakistan’s renewed commitment to developing sustainable sea transport infrastructure and boosting trade logistics and maritime tourism in the region,” Minister Chaudhry added.
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