ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has formally entered the global bunkering market with the launch of its first standardised ship-fuelling operations at Karachi Port, marking a major step toward modernising the country’s maritime infrastructure and aligning it with international safety and operational benchmarks.
Bunkering — the process of supplying vessels with fuel such as marine gas oil, heavy fuel oil or LNG — is a tightly regulated activity essential for global shipping. Until now, Pakistan lacked a commercial refuelling facility, forcing ships to obtain fuel from hubs like Fujairah and Singapore.
Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced the initiative on Tuesday, calling it a breakthrough that fills a long-standing gap in Karachi Port’s service portfolio. He said the availability of regulated, safe and efficient bunkering services would enhance the port’s competitiveness and attract more international shipping lines seeking streamlined operations and predictable service quality.
The facility’s first operations are being carried out by Vitol, a Swiss-based Dutch global energy and commodity trading company, which has begun refuelling ships at Karachi Port using its bunker barge. Meanwhile, Cnergyico’s Karachi refinery has started producing world-class Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) to supply environmentally compliant marine fuel.
Officials said the introduction of the bunkering service is particularly significant in the wake of India’s restrictions on vessels that call at Pakistani ports. Karachi Port Trust (KPT) sources noted that the new capability is expected to increase vessel calls, boost port revenues, and stimulate related industries such as ship repair, marine services and logistics.
Minister Chaudhry emphasised that the development would contribute to higher foreign-exchange earnings and elevate Pakistan’s profile in the global maritime sector. He said strict adherence to international standards on fuel quality, safety protocols and documentation would help win the confidence of shipowners and international trading companies.
He added that the first phase of operations is being executed in partnership with one of the world’s leading energy trading houses under internationally certified procedures. As local refineries scale up production of globally compliant marine fuels, the bunkering venture is expected to expand further — a move he described as a direct economic advantage for Pakistan.
KPT, he said, has reviewed global practices, upgraded documentation and engaged stakeholders extensively to establish the facility. The milestone, he noted, reflects Karachi Port’s ambition to position itself as a leading regional maritime hub and reaffirms the government’s commitment to enhancing port capabilities in line with global standards.
Story by Kalbe Ali
