KPT Sets up Ferry Terminal at Karachi Port

By Salman Khan

Islamabad: Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has set up a Ferry Terminal at Karachi port to handle ferry services being launched between Pakistan, Iran and Middle East Countries.

A senior official of Karachi Port Trust said that they had established ferry terminal at the Karachi port. Soon as the relevant formalities are notified the terminal will be handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for Immigration and Passport duties.

The other relevant departments including the Customs and security divisions too have to depute their staff at the ferry terminals at KPT and Gwadar port. Iran Sets Sail on First Ferry Link with Pakistan

While a large number of pilgrims on their way to Iraq have been stranded due to a ban on land travel to Iran, the government of Pakistan has approved the first ferry service licence. First ferry license approved for routes to Iran, GCC countries

The applications by ferry operators have been pending since 2017 -18, taking a fast track route, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs here on Monday approved the first ferry service license to an international ferry operator.

The UK based company – ‘Sea Keeper’ will operate routes connecting Pakistan with Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The government is under serious pressure from around one million  pilgrims who attend Arbaeen (Chehlum of Imam Hussain) in Karbala, as land travel to Iran has been stopped without any notice recently.

The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has led the move by fast track approval to ferry service operators who had filed applications in 2017 & 2018.

The minister emphasised that ferry service will not only provide the pilgrims going to Iraq and Iran a safe and secure travel but it also provides an opportunity for boosting regional connectivity as well as economic activity via sea routes.

“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”, the minister said in a statement.

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.

Sources in the ministry of maritime affairs confirmed that more ferry services licences are expected to be issued in near future as the licence committee was scrutinising the cases.

The Licensing Committee, comprising officials from Maritime Affairs, Defence, ministry of Foreign Affairs, Interior ministry, along with representatives from the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation  (PNSC) and Port & Shipping authorities.

The PNSC will be the regulator of ferry companies ensuring the technical aspect of ships and their services.