Travellers from Pakistan will soon have a new mode of transport to connect with the UAE and other Gulf nations, as the country prepares to launch its first-ever international ferry service.
On Tuesday, Pakistan’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs announced that it had granted an in-principle licence for ferry operations — marking a historic milestone for the country’s maritime sector.
“A high-level committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, and the Directorate General Ports & Shipping has approved, in principle, Pakistan’s first ferry service licence,” the ministry said in a post on X.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
The initiative is set to open “a new chapter in maritime travel, tourism, and regional connectivity,” the ministry added.
In July, Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry chaired a meeting to discuss the strategic scope of launching ferry routes from Gwadar to the Gulf region.
At present, all commercial travel between Pakistan and the Gulf countries — including the UAE — is conducted by air through carriers such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Air Arabia, PIA, Airblue, Serene Air, and Air Sial.
Official Launch of Pakistanâs Ferry Service License! Under the leadership of Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Pakistan has officially issued its first ferry service licenseâmarking a new chapter in maritime travel, tourism, and regional connectivity. pic.twitter.com/YrJcTa10zd
— Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Govt of Pakistan (@MaritimeGovPK) August 4, 2025
The ferry service is expected to offer a more affordable travel option for South Asian nationals visiting the UAE, GCC countries, Iran, and beyond. Its launch also aligns with the region’s upcoming unified tourist visa — a Schengen-style initiative that will significantly ease travel across Gulf countries. This will particularly benefit Pakistani tourists using the ferry to explore multiple destinations.
The ferry is also set to serve religious pilgrims, offering a cost-effective way to travel from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj. Additionally, Chaudhry highlighted that between 700,000 and 1 million Pakistani nationals travel annually to Iran and Iraq to visit religious sites. “If even 20 per cent choose ferries in the first three years, that would translate to 140,000 to 200,000 passengers per year, representing significant economic potential,” he stated.
In its initial phase, the ferry service will operate between Karachi and Gwadar.
Beyond passenger travel, the initiative is also expected to strengthen maritime trade ties between Pakistan and the UAE. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has recently invited Emirati companies to invest in Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure.
On Tuesday, AD Ports Group inaugurated its first representative office in Islamabad — marking a major milestone in its global expansion and a deepening commitment to trade and logistics across South and Central Asia. Strategically located near Pakistan’s key ministries and state-owned enterprises, the office will serve as a hub for collaboration on infrastructure and trade initiatives.
While the Ministry of Maritime Affairs has not officially named the company operating the ferry service, local media reports suggest the licence was awarded to UK-based firm “Sea Ferry.”
