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Pakistan has officially entered the global bunkering market. On 19th November 2025, the country launched its first standardised bunkering operations at the Karachi Port. The move brings Pakistan’s largest port in line with global maritime safety and operational standards.
A Major Upgrade for Karachi Port
Bunkering is the process of supplying ships with fuel like marine gas oil, heavy fuel oil, or LNG. It is tightly regulated, since fuel is transferred from land terminals, tanker trucks, or bunker vessels to the ship’s tanks.
Until now, Pakistan has had no commercial refuelling facility for ships. As a result, vessels were forced to refuel at major hubs such as Fujairah, UAE or Singapore. The new service fills this long-standing gap.
Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the initiative aims to accelerate the modernisation of port services. He added that it will also support the broader upgrade of Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure.
The minister noted that Karachi Port can now compete more effectively with established bunkering hubs in the region and beyond. As a result, Pakistan expects more shipping lines to choose Karachi for smoother and more predictable port calls.
Vitol Begins Operations, Cnergyico Supplies VLSFO
The bunkering facility is being executed by Vitol, a Swiss-based Dutch multinational energy and commodities company. The company has already begun refuelling ships using its bunker barge at Karachi Port.
At the same time, Karachi-based Cnergyico refinery has started producing very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) that meets global standards. This fuel is now available for ship refuelling at the port.
The development has also gained importance after India banned ships that enter or leave its ports from calling at any Pakistani port. Therefore, having a local fuel option gives Karachi Port a strategic advantage.
Boost in Traffic, Revenue & Global Standing of Pakistan
Sources at the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) said the availability of bunkering services will increase vessel traffic and boost port revenue.
The maritime minister also highlighted that the new service will support higher foreign-exchange earnings through port fees, marine services, repairs, supplies, and wider maritime logistics.
He emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to modern, environmentally responsible, and globally competitive port management. Compliance with international standards, covering fuel quality, safety procedures, documentation, and transparency, will help build global confidence.
The first phase of operations will run in collaboration with a leading global energy trading house, following internationally certified practices. The venture will expand as domestic refineries provide more refined fuel that meets global specifications. According to the minister, this development will directly benefit the national exchequer.
KPT has already assessed existing bunkering systems, reviewed international procedures, drafted new documentation, and engaged stakeholders to bring the service online.
The minister said this milestone reinforces KPT’s ambition to operate as a leading regional hub, while showing the government’s intention to keep expanding port capabilities in line with global benchmarks.
