Gwadar–Oman Ferry Service approved to boost regional maritime linkages
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Mohammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Thursday announced that the federal cabinet has approved the launch of the Gwadar–Oman Ferry Service for passenger and cargo operations, marking a significant diplomatic and economic step toward enhancing regional maritime connectivity.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Maritime Affairs said the minister confirmed that Pakistan and Oman would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with a high-level Omani delegation scheduled to visit Pakistan to finalize operational and technical details of the new service.
The minister recalled that the initiative builds on discussions held in July 2025 with Oman’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Fahad bin Suleiman bin Khalaf Al-Kharousi, where both sides explored maritime cooperation, economic partnership, and the development of new regional sea routes.
Chaudhry said the direct ferry link between Gwadar and Oman would expand bilateral trade and enable faster, cost-effective movement of goods and passengers to Central Asian states, strengthening Pakistan’s position as a regional transit hub.
He estimated that Gwadar’s annual export revenue could exceed $850 million in the coming years, including $645 million from value-added fisheries and $200–205 million from the date sector. He added that Oman and other regional countries would gain efficient access to Central Asian markets through Gwadar’s emerging sea corridors.
The minister said Pakistan’s exports to Oman stood at $224 million in 2024, but the new ferry service, along with improved port infrastructure and enhanced bilateral cooperation, is expected to significantly increase this volume.
Chaudhry noted that the ferry service would offer an economical, environmentally friendly, and faster alternative to traditional air and sea routes for both passengers and cargo. Pakistan has issued its first-ever international ferry service licence to a private operator, paving the way for formal ferry operations with Oman, the UAE, Bahrain, and Iran — a move expected to attract private investment and accelerate regional maritime trade.
By the end of 2024, an estimated 250,000 to 320,000 Pakistanis were residing in Oman, rising to around 360,000 when all work visa categories are included. The new ferry link will provide significant convenience for this community, strengthening commercial, familial, and social ties.
The minister described the Pakistan–Oman maritime corridor as an emerging tourism hotspot. He said the short sea distance, coastal beauty, and cultural affinity between the two countries offer strong potential for tourism growth. The new service is expected to boost activity in hospitality, transport, and allied sectors, transforming the route into a prominent tourist corridor.
Chaudhry emphasized that the project aligns with Pakistan’s broader maritime strategy, which seeks to develop Gwadar into a major regional economic hub and position Pakistan as a central player in maritime trade. He said the Gwadar–Oman Ferry Service represents a concrete step toward achieving these long-term strategic goals. Syed Naveed Jamal
