Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, on Tuesday announced the launch of Pakistan’s first-ever global-standard bunkering service at Karachi Port, a landmark initiative aimed at attracting international shipping lines and boosting the nation”s foreign exchange earnings.
The move aligns Pakistan’s largest port with global maritime safety and operational standards, a step long considered essential for enhancing the country”s position in the regional shipping market, the federal minister added.
Bunkering, the process of refueling ships with marine fuels like oil and gas, is critical for seamless global shipping operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant maritime transport.
Chaudhry stated that the initiative was launched on the instructions of the Prime Minister, who has called for the accelerated modernization of port services and a comprehensive upgrade of Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure.
He said the introduction of regulated bunkering fills a long-standing void in Karachi Port’s service portfolio, enabling it to compete more effectively with established fueling hubs in the region.
The availability of safe and reliably managed facilities is expected to draw more international shipping lines to Karachi, particularly operators seeking streamlined port calls and predictable service standards.
Increased vessel traffic is projected to translate into higher foreign-exchange revenue through port fees, marine services, and ancillary commercial activities such as repairs and maritime logistics. The anticipated rise in port operations is also forecast to stimulate employment across the maritime economy.
Chaudhry added that the new service would enhance Pakistan’s visibility in the international maritime market, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to modern, environmentally responsible, and globally competitive port management.
Compliance with international standards covering fuel quality, safety procedures, and transparency in documentation was described as essential for building confidence among shipowners and international trading companies.
The minister revealed that the first phase of operations would begin in collaboration with one of the world’s leading energy trading houses, which will conduct bunkering at the port using internationally certified practices.
The venture is expected to expand as domestic refineries supply larger quantities of refined fuel meeting global specifications, a development he characterized as a direct benefit to the national exchequer.
Minister Junaid Chaudhry noted that the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) had undertaken extensive groundwork, including assessing existing bunkering practices, reviewing global procedures, and engaging stakeholders to bring the service online.
This 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, he concluded.