Pakistan invites operators to run Ferry Service on domestic and international routes

KARACHI, PAKISTAN: Maritime Ministry has invited investors and operators to run passenger-cum-cargo Ferry Service on both domestic and international routes.

The ferry terminals at Karachi Port, Port Qasim and/or Gwadar Port would be established by the respective port authorities, replicating all the operational facilities related to security, immigration, customs etc. as that of any international airport in the country in collaboration with other ministries.

Ministry is expecting interest from both national and international investors and operators.

Maritime Minister Ali Haider Zaidi said in a tweet that it was a win win offer.

Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MoMA), in collaboration with Pakistan National Shipping (PNSC) and Karachi Port Trust (KPT), is working towards realizing the potential of Pakistan’s blue economy by promoting business opportunities in the areas of maritime tourism, coastal development and passenger-cum-cargo Ferry Services in Pakistan.

With a large population and growing needs for regional and international connectivity, Pakistan holds immense potential for operation of Ferry Services from, to and within Pakistan.

In this regard, PNSC invited proposals from investors and operators who intend to run Ferry Service on either domestic or international routes, or both.

PNSC may extend its expertise in manning, maintenance, technical operations (engine & deck operations) and agency services thereby facilitating the investors and operators toward success in their ventures.

In the regional countries such as Iran, UAE, Oman, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, there were established ferry operators, which were successfully running on various routes.

The potential for initiating a ferry service in Pakistan has been felt for quite some time, especially in the context of providing an alternate route for Zaireen intending to visit holy sites in Iran and Iraq.

Further, transportation between Karachi and Gwadar and provision of an alternate water route between Karachi and Port Qasim also has good potential for the country.