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Pakistan has completed its first large-scale production and delivery of IMO-compliant very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), marking a major advance for its maritime and energy sectors.
Vitol delivered the cleaner marine fuel on 17 November via its Singapore-flagged barge Marine Ista (DWT 8,722 tonnes), bunkering a vessel operated by MSC at Pakistan’s Port Qasim. The barge loaded directly from Karachi Port Trust’s Oil Pier — the first time this method has been used instead of truck-based refuelling.
The VLSFO was produced by Cnergyico, Pakistan’s largest refinery, refining the first U.S. crude oil delivered to Pakistan earlier this year. Vitol says this was the largest single VLSFO stem ever delivered in Pakistan.
The Marine Ista can deliver up to 6,800 metric tonnes of marine fuel in one go, which will help service not only Port Qasim, but also Karachi Port and Karachi Anchorage. Cnergyico has committed to a continuous supply of IMO-compliant low-sulphur fuel to Vitol.
Vitol’s bunkering manager, Ammar Hussaini, said the capacity of Marine Ista will enable “long east-to-west voyages” by large vessels calling at Pakistan.
Cnergyico’s director, Aumar Abbassciy, said the partnership with Vitol opens a new business segment and bolsters Pakistan’s ability to serve global shipping with green-compliant fuel.
This development not only signals Pakistan’s readiness to meet IMO 2020 sulphur regulations, but also strengthens its position as a regional bunkering hub.
By offering locally produced VLSFO, Pakistan could reduce reliance on foreign ports, lower turnaround times for ships, and cut emissions — boosting its blue economy ambitions.
Sector analysts suggest that this could attract more shipping traffic to Pakistani ports, as vessels refuel for long voyages without detouring. The move also aligns with international environmental rules and could help Pakistan play a more strategic role in maritime trade.
