GWADAR – Five private companies have formally submitted proposals to launch a ferry service connecting Pakistan’s coastal city of Gwadar with various destinations in the Gulf region, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs confirmed. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance regional connectivity and promote maritime trade and tourism.
According to officials, the proposed routes would link Gwadar with Gulf states such as the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Bahrain. The service is expected to facilitate both passenger and cargo transport, offering an alternative mode of regional travel and trade. The ministry stated that detailed feasibility assessments are underway, and technical working groups have been established to evaluate the submissions.
The project aligns with Pakistan’s efforts to develop Gwadar into a major maritime and commercial hub under its national blue economy strategy. Authorities believe that establishing direct ferry links could reduce reliance on air and land routes while also boosting tourism and employment in the coastal province of Balochistan.
Government representatives indicated that policy frameworks, port infrastructure, and security protocols will be critical to the service’s successful launch. Once operational, the ferry service is expected to serve as a cost-effective and efficient link between Pakistan and the wider Gulf region.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
