Pakistan has issued its first international ferry service licence to Sea Keepers, marking a significant milestone in the country’s maritime sector.
The service will connect Pakistan with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, according to a statement from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs on Monday.
The licence was approved following a high-level meeting of the licensing committee, which includes officials from the ministries of maritime affairs, defense, foreign affairs, and interior, as well as representatives from the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) and port authorities.
The ferry service is expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of passengers annually—including laborers, tourists heading to the GCC, and religious pilgrims travelling to Iran and Iraq. It aims to ease pressure on land routes and offer a more affordable alternative to air travel for the Pakistani diaspora and religious travellers.
Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry described the initiative as a “historic step” in line with Pakistan’s National Maritime Policy. He highlighted its potential to enhance regional connectivity, promote religious tourism, and stimulate economic activity through improved sea transport links.
“Initial operations will begin from Karachi and Gwadar ports using modern ferries equipped with essential facilities to ensure safe and affordable travel,” Chaudhry stated. “Future expansion of routes and destinations will depend on passenger demand and bilateral agreements.”
While no specific launch date has been announced, the move aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy to leverage its strategic location for increased trade, tourism, and investment. These efforts come as the country navigates economic recovery under a $7 billion IMF program.
In parallel, the government is working to cut container dwell time at ports by up to 70% to boost trade efficiency and ease congestion. Last month, Islamabad also halved port charges for exporters at Port Qasim, the country's second-largest seaport.
“This new ferry service is a key component of Pakistan’s push to develop its blue economy, enhance trade logistics, and support maritime tourism,” Chaudhry added, underscoring the government’s renewed focus on sustainable and integrated sea transport infrastructure.