At Karachi Port, Pakistan has introduced its first fully regulated bunkering service. As a result of this major upgrading of the country’s maritime infrastructure, Pakistan has brought its practices and safety standards into line with international ones.
Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry told the conference that this new system will help Karachi compete with regional hubs and attract more global shipping lines who want efficient refueling or reliable services.
Up to now, commercial ships calling on Pakistani ports had no refueling point and so had been obliged to go to either Fujairah or Singapore.
Under this system, boats can be refuelled at the Marine Fuelling station in Karachi Port, using a controlled system that meets the international rules.
Vitol, the global energy trader is doing the job on behalf of China’s ConocoPhillips. JXY Fuels Ltd in Singapore, which has just invested in Karachi is diversifying its sources of 0.5% sulphur marine fuel, among other things with us.
Port officials in Karachi said the move will not only bring more shipping traffic to the inlet but also add revenue via port fees, marine service and other commercial activity.
They pointed out that India’s recent decision to ban ships which had called at Pakistani ports from entering or exiting any of its own increases the strategic importance for Pakistan to provide full maritime services at home.
