Port Qasim handles Pakistan’s largest LNG cargo at Engro terminal

The Port Qasim Authority on Wednesday announced the handling of Pakistan’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo after successfully berthing a Q-Flex LNG carrier at the Engro LNG Terminal.

According to the authority, the LNG cargo arrived aboard Al Kharratiyat from Qatar and entered the Port Qasim navigation channel early in the morning before berthing at the terminal at around 10am.

The authority said the operation involved handling 210,250 cubic metres, or 92,510 metric tonnes, of LNG, making it the largest LNG cargo operation in the port’s history.

Officials said the vessel was carrying two LNG parcels that would be discharged in phases.

Port Qasim’s navigation channel extends around 49 kilometres from the Arabian Sea to the berth and is regarded as one of the world’s largest LNG navigation channels.

The authority said LNG vessel handling at the port requires precise tidal coordination and draft management, particularly during the monsoon season when operational limitations increase.

The operation was carried out with coordination among multiple stakeholders, including QatarEnergy as loading operator, Nakilat as vessel owner, Engro LNG Terminal as receiving terminal, Pakistan State Oil as supply chain partner and the marine operations team of Port Qasim.

The authority said coordination among stakeholders, along with operational planning related to tides and vessel draft, helped ensure successful execution of the berthing and unloading process.

Besides LNG operations, Port Qasim handles a range of commercial cargo, including containers, dry and liquid bulk cargo, coal, rice, cement, steel and petroleum products.