Gwadar Port has successfully completed its second commercial bunkering operation on Wednesday, marking another significant milestone towards strengthening Pakistan’s Blue Economy and transforming Gwadar into a regional maritime hub.

During the bunkering operation, approximately 1,150 metric tonnes of Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (LSFO) was successfully supplied to the LNG carrier M.V. EXCELERATE SHENANDOAH (IMO No. 9321768) at Gwadar Port.

The operation, which continued throughout the day, was completed in accordance with international safety, environmental and operational standards.

The bunker barge M.T. MARINE ISTA arrived at Gwadar from Karachi to supply marine fuel to the vessel, according to a Gwadar Pro's report on Wednesday.

The bunkering operation was successfully completed with the cooperation of the Gwadar Port Authority, Pakistan Customs, and other relevant institutions, with full compliance ensured with all legal, regulatory, safety and environmental requirements.

On the occasion, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said that the successful completion of the second commercial bunkering operation at Gwadar Port was clear evidence that Gwadar is rapidly emerging as an important centre for international maritime trade and maritime services.

He said that, under the government’s policies, concerted efforts were underway to provide modern facilities at Gwadar Port, promote investment and offer quality services to global shipping companies.

He added that the development of Gwadar Port was of immense importance not only for Balochistan but also for Pakistan’s economy.

Gwadar Port Chairman Noor-ul-Haq Baloch said that the successful completion of the second commercial bunkering operation was a practical demonstration of Gwadar Port’s growing capacity, operational efficiency and the increasing confidence of global shipping companies.

He said that Gwadar Port now had the capability to provide reliable marine fuel services, and that the continued expansion of bunkering activities would lead to the arrival of more international vessels, attract new investment, create business opportunities and generate employment in the future.

Chairman Noor-ul-Haq Baloch further said that efforts were progressing rapidly, in collaboration with all relevant institutions, to develop Gwadar Port into a competitive regional bunkering and maritime logistics hub.

He added that providing world-class facilities at the port remained among the government’s top priorities.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China