Seaworthy Ferry Journey from Pakistan to UAE: Budget-Friendly Maritime Transportation on the Horizon
In a significant move for Pakistan's maritime sector, the country's first international ferry service is set to launch in August 2025. The service, aimed at offering an affordable and comfortable sea travel option, will connect Pakistan with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Gulf nations.
The strategic meeting to discuss the scope of the ferry routes was chaired by Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry in July. The service has been announced as a historic milestone for Pakistan's maritime sector, marking a new era in regional travel and connectivity.
The license for the ferry service was officially issued by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. The company awarded the license to operate this ferry service is the UK-based firm Sea Keeper Private Limited, authorized to run passenger services from Karachi and Gwadar.
Initially, the ferry service will operate between Karachi and Gwadar, with destinations in the UAE, Iran, and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The service is expected to reduce pressure on air and land routes, boost tourism, regional trade, and strengthen maritime ties between Pakistan and Gulf nations, including the UAE.
The ferry service is particularly beneficial for South Asian nationals, especially Pakistani expatriates and religious pilgrims traveling to sites in Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia (for Umrah and Hajj), and Gulf countries. It is estimated that between 700,000 and 1 million Pakistani nationals travel annually to Iran and Iraq to visit religious sites, and the ferry service may attract a significant number of these travelers.
The details of when the ferry service will start operations are not provided in the article. However, final preparations are underway, and formalities are being finalized around early August 2025. The travel time for the ferry service is estimated to be approximately 24 hours, depending on the route and sea conditions.
The launch of the ferry service comes at a time when Pakistan is actively seeking to strengthen its maritime infrastructure. Recently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited Emirati companies to invest in Pakistan's maritime sector. The office of AD Ports Group, strategically located near Pakistan's key ministries and state-owned enterprises, serves as a hub for collaboration on infrastructure and trade initiatives.
The ferry service is aligned with the region's upcoming unified tourist visa, a Schengen-style initiative that will ease travel across Gulf countries. This initiative is expected to further boost tourism and regional connectivity, making travel more accessible and affordable for millions of people.
In conclusion, Pakistan's first international ferry service, operated by the UK-based company Sea Keeper, is set to launch imminently in August 2025. The service will connect Pakistan with the UAE and other Gulf nations, offering an affordable and comfortable sea travel option for South Asian nationals, especially Pakistani expatriates and religious pilgrims. This move is a significant step forward for Pakistan's maritime sector and regional connectivity.
- The ferry service, once launched, is anticipated to reduce the demand on air and land routes, subsequently improving the budget-travel options for individuals.
- The UK-based firm Sea Keeper Private Limited, which has been granted the license to operate the ferry service, will run passenger services from Karachi and Gwadar initially.
- The strategic partnership between Pakistan and the UAE, as evidenced by the upcoming ferry service, could potentially lead to further finance and business opportunities in the maritime industry.
- The news of this inaugural international ferry service is a testament to the progress and growth of Pakistan's maritime sector, signifying a turning point in the nation's transportation infrastructure.
- The ferry service, set to connect Pakistan with the UAE and other Gulf nations, could inadvertently boost the lifestyle sector, especially in terms of tourism, as more travel options become available.
- The success of this ferry service, combined with the upcoming unified tourist visa initiative in the Gulf region, could propel Pakistan into a significant player within the travel industry.
