Pakistan Launches its First International Ferry Service
As of the 21st century, the concept of the blue economy lies at the epicenter of economic progress and development. States with warm waters and required resources can boost their economic ties with the rest of the world easily. From civilian to military purposes, maritime zones have now become a necessity for states to become valuable and active actors in the international arena. Its best manifestation could be Great Britain, which ruled the world for almost three centuries. It is due to the fact that the Royal Navy was the strongest of all, securing critical sea lanes of communication for trade and commerce. Pakistan is not an exception in this respect. The Pakistani blue economic initiatives have been considering the warm water ports of Pakistan, such as Gwadar, Pasni, Keti Bandar, and so forth, for a long time. Gwadar is another constituent of the Pak-China CPEC project. Therefore, the Pakistan government has rolled out its inaugural global marine ferry between Gwadar and Gulf countries.
Under the leadership of PM Shehbaz Sharif and Maritime Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Pakistan has launched its first international maritime ferry service. This logistical revolution has not been created overnight; consultations, discussions, and solutions have been in the pipeline to rejuvenate the maritime industry of Pakistan and to tap the vast economic prospects of Gwadar port. However, the project was not implemented because of historical backlashes, political instabilities, and bureaucratic encumbrances, as there were no implemented steps to make the project a reality. Similarly, the issue of licensing and final operation has also long been paused due to domestic constraints. But, this time, not only has the ferry been launched, but also its first license has been granted to a UK-based maritime company, “Sea Keeper.” This ferry........





















Toi Staff
Gideon Levy
Tarik Cyril Amar
Sabine Sterk
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Mort Laitner
Mark Travers Ph.d
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