Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) has acquired third bulk carrier ship enhancing its fleet to 9. The PNSC team has physically taken over the ship MV Malakand at outer anchorage of the Port of Dalian China at a ceremony held on Monday, according to a spokesman of PNSC here on Tuesday. The ship has been acquired by the PNSC for its subsidiary company, M/s Malakand Shipping (Private) Limited.
The M V Malakand is 76,830 metric tonnes dead weight; with a gross tonnage of 40,040 having length 225m and breadth 32.20m. This Panamax Bulk Carrier was built in 2004 by Sasebo Heavy Industries Co Ltd Japan. The vessel has been purchased from a company named Nafmar Maritime Limited of Marshal Island, a subsidiary of Target Marine SA, Greece.
Acquisition of the ships were part of PNSC''s fleet development plan, whereas a sum of Rs 70 million was paid through commercial loan which PNSC contracted with a consortium of commercial banks without Government guarantee. These additions have increased PNSC''s total dead weight capacity (carrying capacity) to 565,319 metric tonnes, the spokesman said.
He said the Corporation is presently engaged in inducting modern tonnage to its fleet. The planned acquisition of ships in the five year (2010-2015) development plan is primarily based on modern and competitive tonnage with a view to serve Pakistan''s sea borne trade as well as providing competitive shipping services for the world trade.
The five-year plan caters for induction of 2 to 3 modern Handy size/Supramax bulker within the current fiscal year, preferably before end of 1st quarter of 2011. Induction of a Product Tanker and an LNG carrier is also part of the fleet development plan, which will serve the energy sector of the country.
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