Pakistan Approves First-ever ferry License for routes to Iran, GCC countries

Seakeepers claims their ferry offers a unique and luxurious experience for up to 100 passengers (seakeepers.co)

Islamabad, 5 Aug 2025: Pakistan's Ministry of Maritime Affairs on Monday approved its first-ever ferry service license to an international ferry operator, Sea Keepers authorizing the company to operate routes connecting Pakistan with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The approval followed a high-level meeting of the Licensing Committee, comprising officials from Maritime Affairs, Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Interior ministries, along with representatives from the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation and Port & Shipping authorities.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry hailed the move as a historic step aligned with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision and Pakistan’s National Maritime Policy. He emphasized the opportunity this license creates for boosting regional connectivity, religious tourism, and economic activity via sea routes.

The new ferry service is expected to serve hundreds of thousands annually, particularly pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq, alongside workers and tourists bound for GCC states.

Seakeepers is a UAE-based company with offices in Pakistan and the UK. It calls itself a leading maritime design firm. It says on its website that its team, comprising top naval architects from ex-Navy and commercial sectors, is engaged in diverse projects showcasing our expertise in design and construction surveying.

Currently, they're developing an 800 cubic meter split hopper barge in Pakistan and designing 600-passenger accommodation barges for the UK, demonstrating our innovative approach.

They also collaborate with the Maritime Security Agency of Pakistan, constructing 12-meter, 45-knots RHIB interceptor boats to enhance maritime security.

As a comprehensive solution provider, we offer outer hull repairs, welding, and design solutions, specializing in mid-life maintenance and block fabrication for new vessels./p>

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including Zeiss scanners and a 5-axis CNC machine, we provide manufacturing, survey assistance, supply chain management, reverse engineering, and fabrication services.

The minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry noted that the ferry service will alleviate pressure on land routes and reduce travel costs compared to air transport for the Pakistani diaspora and religious travelers.

"Initial operations will commence from the ports of Karachi and Gwadar using modern ferry vessels equipped with essential amenities to ensure safe, affordable travel. Expansion of routes and port calls is planned based on demand and bilateral agreements", he added.

This ferry service launch forms part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to develop its blue economy, improve trade logistics, and promote maritime tourism, reflecting a renewed commitment to sustainable regional sea transport infrastructure, the minister stated.