Pakistan Begins Modern Ship Refueling Service At Karachi Port

Pakistan has launched its first fully regulated ship bunkering service at Karachi Port, marking a major upgrade of the country’s maritime infrastructure and aligning operations with international safety and fuel handling standards. Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced the initiative, saying the introduction of standardized bunkering will help Karachi compete with regional hubs and attract more global shipping lines seeking reliable and efficient refueling options. Until now, commercial vessels calling at Pakistani ports had to refuel in Fujairah or Singapore due to the absence of any local facility. The new system allows ships to receive marine fuel directly at Karachi Port through a controlled, internationally compliant process. The operation will be executed by Vitol, a global energy trading firm, which has begun refueling ships using its barge. At the same time, Cnergyico’s Karachi refinery has started supplying very low sulphur fuel oil that meets global specifications. Officials at the Karachi Port Trust said the move will not only increase vessel traffic but also boost revenue through port fees, marine services and related commercial activity. They noted that India’s recent decision to bar ships visiting Pakistani ports from entering or exiting its own ports further increases the strategic need for Pakistan to offer full maritime services at home. The maritime minister said the facility fills a long-standing gap in Pakistan’s port operations and enhances the country’s standing in the global maritime market. He added that strict compliance with global rules on fuel quality, documentation, environmental safety and transparency was central to the launch. According to the ministry, the first phase of bunkering is being conducted in partnership with an international energy house under certified global procedures. Future expansion is expected as domestic refineries increase the supply of refined fuels that meet international standards, contributing additional foreign exchange earnings to the national exchequer. Officials said Karachi Port carried out assessments of global bunkering protocols, updated documentation requirements and consulted industry stakeholders before rolling out the service. They added that the milestone reinforces the port’s ambition to establish itself as a leading refueling and logistics hub in the region.