Karachi Port: Standardised bunkering operations launched

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced the launch of standardized bunkering operations at Karachi Port for the first time in Pakistan’s history.

“The move brings the Pakistan’s largest port in line with global maritime safety and operational standards, a step long viewed as essential for improving country’s standing in the regional shipping market,” the federal minister added.

Bunkering is the fuelling of ships for propulsion and onboard use, involving the storage, transfer, and management of marine fuels like oil and gas. Proper bunkering ensures safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant refuelling, enabling smooth maritime transport and global shipping operations.

Junaid Chaudhry said the initiative is launched on the instructions of the Prime Minister, who has called for accelerated modernization of port services and a broader upgrade of Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure.

He said the introduction of regulated bunkering would remove a long-standing gap in Karachi Port’s service offering, enabling it to compete more effectively with established bunkering hubs in the region and the wider area.

The minister said the availability of safe, reliable and efficiently managed bunkering facilities is expected to draw more international shipping lines to Karachi, particularly operators seeking streamlined port calls and predictable service standards.

He said increased vessel traffic would translate into higher foreign-exchange earnings through port fees, marine services, and ancillary commercial activity such as repairs, supplies and maritime logistics. The expected increase in port operations is also projected to stimulate employment across multiple layers of the maritime economy. Junaid Chaudhry added that the new service would enhance Pakistan’s visibility in the international maritime market by demonstrating the country’s commitment to modern, environmentally responsible and globally competitive port management.

He said compliance with international standards covering fuel quality, safety procedures, documentation and transparency, was essential for building confidence among ship-owners and international trading companies.

The minister said the first phase of operations would begin in collaboration with one of the world’s leading energy trading houses, which will conduct bunkering at Karachi Port using internationally certified practices.

He said the venture is expected to expand as domestic refineries supply larger quantities of refined fuel meeting global specifications, a development he described as a direct benefit to the national exchequer.

Minister Junaid Chaudhry noted that Karachi Port Trust had assessed existing bunkering practices, reviewed global procedures, drafted new documentation and engaged stakeholders to bring the service online. He said the milestone reinforces KPT’s ambition to operate as a leading regional hub and signals the government’s intention to continue expanding port capabilities in line with international benchmarks.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025