Minister for Maritime Affairs Inaugurates Karachi Port Ferry Terminal
Minister emphasized that the initiative reflects the Ministry’s strategic focus on promoting connectivity, facilitating passenger movement and religious tourism through sea routes
Nazir Siyal
KARACHI: The Minister for Maritime Affairs, Mr. Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, inaugurated the first Ferry Terminal at Karachi Port by unveiling the commemorative plaque.
Addressing the ceremony as Chief Guest, the Minister stated that the inauguration of the Ferry Terminal is fully aligned with the strategic guidance of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif which is translated into Maritime Vision 2047–2147.
He described the commencement of ferry terminal operations as a significant milestone towards harnessing the potential of the Blue Economy, while opening new avenues for maritime tourism and diversifying port activities beyond traditional cargo handling.
The Minister emphasized that the initiative reflects the Ministry’s strategic focus on promoting connectivity, facilitating passenger movement and religious tourism through sea routes. He said that the terminal marks the revival of maritime passenger services in Pakistan after the discontinuation of the historic Safina-e-Arab service in 1976. Highlighting terminal capacity, he informed that the terminal is designed to accommodate up to 200 to 250 passengers at a time and supports the national vision of promoting sustainable and economical transportation through sea.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to unlock the true potential of the blue economy, as pledged during Maritime Week celebrated in November, last year, where he outlined a five-point agenda of the Ministry. Ferry Terminal inauguration is yet another manifestation of the same.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman Karachi Port Trust, Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed SI (M) S.Bt (Retd), informed the audience that the Ferry Terminal has been developed with strong focus on passenger convenience, safety, and operational efficiency while involving all national/ governmental stakeholder. He stated that the terminal is equipped with modern facilities in line with international standards and expressed confidence that the ferry service will open new opportunities for religious tourism, employment and economic activity.
Following the inauguration, the Minister for Maritime Affairs, the Chairman KPT, senior officials of the Ministry and KPT and members of the media visited the Ferry Terminal and ferry MV SEA STRIDE operated by M/s SEA KEEPERS.
