Emergency LNG cargo reaches Port Qasim, averting energy supply disruption

Pakistan has received an emergency liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo at Port Qasim, helping avert a potential energy supply disruption after earlier QatarEnergy shipments were affected by force majeure.

According to the Port Qasim Authority, the LNG carrier SK Resolute was safely guided through the port's 49-kilometre navigational channel and berthed despite rough seas and severe monsoon conditions during what it described as a complex emergency operation.

The operation followed the return of two scheduled QatarEnergy LNG cargoes due to force majeure arising from regional tensions. To bridge the supply gap, Pakistan LNG Limited secured a spot cargo that was already at sea.

The vessel carried 171,951 cubic metres of LNG, making it the largest LNG shipment ever handled at the Pakistan GasPort Consortium Limited (PGPCL) terminal. 

With a beam of 47.8 metres, it also became the widest LNG carrier to berth at Port Qasim during the monsoon season.

The Port Qasim Authority said the successful berthing would help maintain uninterrupted gas supplies for electricity generation and support domestic and industrial consumers.

The authority added that the operation demonstrated its operational preparedness and ability to manage critical maritime operations under challenging weather conditions.