KARACHI: The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) has achieved a historic milestone by successfully handling the largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo discharge ever recorded in Pakistan, reinforcing the country’s growing maritime and energy handling capabilities.
The record-setting operation involved the Q-Flex LNG carrier MV Al Kharaitiyat, which safely navigated Port Qasim’s 49-kilometre-long channel from the Arabian Sea before berthing at the Engro Elengy Terminal (EETL) at 10:00 AM.
The vessel arrived with a draft of 12.10 metres carrying an unprecedented LNG cargo volume of 210,250 cubic metres, equivalent to 92,510 metric tonnes, making it the deepest and fullest Q-Flex operation ever conducted at the port.
To optimise operational efficiency while ensuring strict safety compliance, the vessel’s two LNG parcels were discharged sequentially — a technically complex procedure that highlighted the precision and coordination of all operational teams involved.
The achievement is particularly significant given the onset of the monsoon season, a period during which navigational restrictions on Pakistan’s waterways become considerably tighter. Successfully managing such a large-scale berthing operation required extensive tidal planning, precise draft management, and continuous coordination among maritime stakeholders.
Port Qasim’s navigation channel, extending approximately 49 kilometres, is regarded as one of the world’s longest LNG navigation channels, with challenging hydrodynamic conditions that make large-vessel operations highly demanding.
The operation was completed through close collaboration among several key stakeholders in Pakistan’s energy supply chain. QatarEnergy acted as the loading operator, Nakilat served as the vessel owner, Engro Elengy Terminal received the cargo, while Pakistan State Oil (PSO) facilitated supply chain integration.
PQA credited its Marine Operations team for leading the tidal and draft planning process in coordination with QatarEnergy and Nakilat, praising the professionalism and expertise of personnel involved in the flawless execution of the operation.
Beyond LNG handling, Port Qasim Authority reiterated its role as Pakistan’s principal maritime gateway for diverse cargo operations, including containerised goods, dry bulk, liquid bulk, coal, rice, cement, steel, and petroleum products.
The authority stated that continued investments in digitalisation, modernised systems, and round-the-clock port operations are aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s trade resilience and enhancing regional competitiveness.
