Quoting Pakistan’s Minister for Ports and Shipping Kamran Michael, The News reports that two passenger ferries have been shortlisted to operate between Karachi and Gwadar in Pakistan and the Iranian cities of Chabahar.
“The ferry service will reduce travel costs for [Pakistani] pilgrims and would be a safe and secure alternative to traveling by road,” he said.
Michael said that the ferry, with a capacity for around 250 to 400 passengers and with a speed of 28-30 knots per hour, would reach Chahbahar in 14 hours.
The ferry service will operate under the name of Makran Ferry Service Company Limited, he added. In addition to transporting passengers, the Karachi-Gwadar ferry will also provide cargo service.
“This will improve the overall shipping industry of Pakistan,” Michael said.
