ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has launched its first-ever standardised bunkering operations at the Karachi Port, aligning the country’s largest harbor with global maritime safety and operational standards.
Bunkering refers to the fueling of ships for propulsion and on-board use, including the storage, transfer, and management of marine fuels such as oil and gas. Standardised bunkering ensures safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant refueling—an essential requirement for seamless maritime transport and global shipping operations.
Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Chaudhry said on Tuesday the initiative was undertaken on the instructions of the Prime Minister, who has directed accelerated modernisation of port services and a broader upgrade of Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure.
He said the introduction of regulated bunkering fills a longstanding gap in Karachi Port’s service portfolio, enabling it to compete more effectively with established regional bunkering hubs. The availability of safe, reliable, and efficiently managed bunkering, he added, is expected to attract more international shipping lines, particularly operators seeking predictable service standards and streamlined port calls.
According to the minister, increased vessel traffic would boost foreign-exchange earnings through port fees, marine services, ship repairs, supplies, and maritime logistics. The expected rise in operations is also projected to create employment across various sectors of the maritime economy.
Mr Chaudhry said the new service strengthens Pakistan’s presence in the international maritime market by demonstrating its commitment to environmentally responsible and globally competitive port management. Compliance with global standards on fuel quality, safety procedures, documentation, and transparency, he noted, is essential to building confidence among shipowners and international trading companies.
The minister said the first phase of operations would be launched in collaboration with one of the world’s leading energy trading houses, which will conduct bunkering at Karachi Port using internationally certified practices. The venture is expected to expand as domestic refineries increase production of refined fuels meeting global specifications—an outcome he described as a direct benefit to the national exchequer.
He added that the Karachi Port Trust had reviewed existing bunkering practices, aligned its procedures with global benchmarks, drafted new documentation, and engaged stakeholders to bring the service online. The milestone, he said, reinforces KPT’s aspiration to operate as a leading regional hub and reflects the government’s commitment to further upgrading Pakistan’s port capabilities.
