In a significant step to enhance maritime connectivity and bilateral ties, Pakistan has approved the launch of a passenger and cargo ferry service with Oman. This move is expected to strengthen trade, boost tourism, and foster deeper economic cooperation between the two nations. The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, confirmed that the ferry link will soon be formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pakistan and Oman. According to a press release, an official delegation from Oman is expected to visit Pakistan soon to finalize the operational arrangements for the ferry service.
The initiative follows productive discussions between Chaudhry and Oman’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Fahad bin Sulaiman bin Khalaf Al Kharusi, during their meeting in July 2025. During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation and maritime links, with a specific focus on developing a direct ferry route connecting Gwadar to Oman. The new ferry service is poised to open up a range of opportunities for both countries, from increasing trade volumes to boosting tourism and regional connectivity.
Chaudhry emphasized the strategic significance of the Gwadar–Oman ferry route, noting that it would bring substantial economic benefits, including greater trade, investment inflows, and transit revenue. He also highlighted the importance of this route in positioning Gwadar as a central hub for regional maritime trade. With a projected export revenue of over $850 million for Gwadar, driven primarily by value-added fisheries and the date sector, the new ferry corridor will play a crucial role in supporting Pakistan’s growing trade with Oman and other regional partners.
In 2024, Pakistan’s exports to Oman amounted to $224 million, and officials are optimistic that the new ferry service, coupled with upgraded port facilities, will significantly boost bilateral trade in the coming years. By providing an affordable and environmentally friendly transportation option, the ferry service will offer an efficient alternative to air and sea transport, improving logistics for both trade and tourism. It will also enhance supply-chain operations, benefiting industries on both sides of the route.
In addition to supporting trade and tourism, the ferry service will also cater to the large Pakistani diaspora in Oman. The estimated number of Pakistanis living in Oman ranges from 250,000 to 320,000, with some estimates placing the figure as high as 360,000 depending on classifications. This new ferry service will provide the diaspora with easier and more frequent travel options, strengthening personal and business connections between the two countries.
The tourism corridor between Pakistan and Oman is also expected to experience significant growth, with cultural ties, scenic coastal landscapes, and short maritime distances making it an attractive destination for travelers. The ferry service will support the hospitality, transportation, and leisure sectors, fostering deeper people-to-people connections.
Furthermore, this initiative is aligned with Pakistan’s broader maritime strategy to develop Gwadar as a regional economic hub. By opening up more direct maritime routes and strengthening ties with neighboring countries like Oman, Pakistan aims to create long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships that will contribute to regional stability and prosperity. As part of this strategy, Pakistan has also issued its first-ever international ferry license, enabling regulated ferry operations between Pakistan and GCC countries, including Oman, the UAE, Bahrain, and Iran.
This regulatory milestone is expected to attract private-sector investment in the ferry sector and further enhance regional maritime links. By modernizing the ferry network and creating a sustainable, cost-effective transport solution, Pakistan is laying the groundwork for a more connected and prosperous regional economy.
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