Gwadar-Umm Qasr Ferry Deal Finalized by Pakistan, Iraq

In a landmark diplomatic move, Pakistan and Iraq have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a ferry service between Gwadar Port (Pakistan) and Umm Qasr Port (Iraq). The agreement, sealed during an Islamabad meeting on August 6, 2025, aims to boost bilateral trade, facilitate religious tourism, and deepen regional maritime connectivity.

• Signed By: Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry & Iraq's Deputy Head of Mission Abdulqadir Sulyman Alhimiri

• Operator: Sea Keeper—first international ferry operator licensed by Pakistan

• Expected Benefits: Trade growth, cost-effective logistics, better access to Asian markets, and enhanced pilgrimage travel

• Feasibility Plans: Technical teams to assess logistics and infrastructure for smooth implementation

Trade Expansion & Market Access

• Pakistani Exports: Medicines, meat, rice, and potassium sulphate produced in Gwadar’s Free Zone have high demand in Iraq

• Iraqi Supplies: Increased oil imports and access to Asian markets are valuable to Iraq 

• Trade Imbalance: FY 2024 exports to Iraq: $54.29 million; imports (mainly petroleum): $145.46 million

Religious Tourism Boost

• Over 88,000 Pakistani pilgrims traveled to Iraq for Ashura in 2024, showing growing religious travel demand 

• The ferry route offers a safer and more affordable alternative, especially amid land travel restrictions in Iran

Support for Pakistan’s Blue Economy

• Aligns with the national strategy to develop coastal infrastructure, diversify trade routes, and promote sustainable maritime transport

Projected Volume & Logistics

• Feasibility studies are underway to estimate volume capacity, infrastructure upgrades, and route logistics

Cost & Efficiency

• The ferry service could reduce transportation costs, streamline customs clearance, and improve supply chain logistics across the region

Strategic Connectivity

• Serves as a sea corridor for Iraq to explore Asian routes, while positioning Gwadar as a regional maritime hub

Feasibility & Infrastructure Development

• Technical teams will assess port readiness, ferry assets, scheduling, and bilateral regulatory frameworks.

Licensing Efficiency

• Pakistan’s approval of the ferry service license to Sea Keeper comes alongside broader reforms aimed at fast-tracking ferry operations

Integrated Maritime Network Vision

• The Gwadar–Umm Qasr link is part of a growing regional ferry network, including emerging routes with Iran and Gulf countries

Diplomatic Leverage

• Pakistan secured a commitment from Iraq for support in the upcoming International Maritime Organization (IMO) elections, augmenting its diplomatic reach

This ferry service marks a new maritime chapter between Pakistan and Iraq—merging economic pragmatism with cultural ties. It promises to not only simplify pilgrim travel but also empower Pakistani industries and strengthen trade connectivity.

By unlocking easier access to Middle Eastern and South Asian markets, the route could transform Gwadar into a dynamic trade hub, a key junction in Pakistan’s evolving Blue Economy.