Pakistan’s federal cabinet has greenlit a new passenger and cargo ferry service connecting Gwadar with Oman, a strategic decision poised to significantly enhance maritime connectivity, bilateral commerce, and tourism, according to an announcement on Friday by the Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry.
The minister confirmed that both nations are set to formalize the maritime link through a Memorandum of Understanding. An Omani delegation is scheduled to visit Pakistan shortly to finalize the operational details of the new route. This development follows a high-level discussion in July 2025 between Minister Chaudhry and Oman’s Ambassador, Fahad bin Sulaiman bin Khalaf Al Kharusi, which focused on strengthening economic and maritime cooperation.
The Gwadar-Oman ferry is projected to deliver substantial economic advantages, including increased trade, investment, and transit revenue. Officials anticipate Gwadar’s annual export earnings to exceed $850 million, with significant contributions from value-added fisheries ($645 million) and the date sector ($200-$205 million). For Oman, the route offers a more efficient pathway to Central Asian markets.
In 2024, Pakistan’s exports to Oman were valued at $224 million. Minister Chaudhry expressed confidence that the new sea connection, combined with upgraded port infrastructure, could dramatically expand trade volumes between the two countries. The service is designed to transport both passengers and freight, presenting a cost-effective and ecologically sound alternative to conventional shipping and air travel.
This initiative is part of a broader national strategy, as Pakistan has now issued its first international ferry service license. This framework enables licensed passenger ferry operations with other regional partners, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Iran, and is expected to attract private-sector investment in the maritime industry.
The new sea route is also anticipated to be a major convenience for the large Pakistani diaspora residing in Oman, estimated to be between 250,000 and 360,000 individuals as of 2024. The connection is expected to facilitate easier travel, thereby strengthening personal, commercial, and cultural ties.
Authorities foresee rapid growth in a Pakistan-Oman tourism corridor, capitalizing on shared cultural heritage, picturesque coastal landscapes, and the ease of short-distance maritime travel. The ferry service is being hailed as a transformative step in bilateral relations, fostering regional integration and cementing Gwadar’s position as a vital hub for economic growth and connectivity.