By: News Desk VOG
Gwadar Port has reached a new operational milestone by successfully carrying out its first-ever commercial bunkering operation, supplying marine fuel to an international vessel berthed at the port. Conducted between July 9 and 11, the operation was made possible through coordinated efforts by the Gwadar Port Authority, the National Logistics Cell, Gwadar International Terminals Limited, and global energy trading firm Vitol Asia.
The vessel refueled was the LNG carrier “LNG ENUGU,” jointly owned by Qatar Energy, ADNOC, and Vitol, which received 2,500 metric tons of Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil during its call at Gwadar. Measuring 285.4 meters in length, the carrier ranks among the larger vessels to have called at the port. Fuel was delivered via the bunker barge “Marine Ista,” a dedicated vessel built for ship-to-ship fuel transfer operations. Customs officials, port authorities, and local shipping agent Pak Traders Gwadar coordinated closely to ensure the operation was carried out safely and without disruption.
The significance of this development extends well beyond a single successful transaction. Until now, Gwadar Port’s operations have centered largely on cargo handling, but this bunkering operation signals a shift toward a broader role as a functioning maritime services hub one capable of supporting international shipping not just through cargo throughput, but through fuel supply and related marine services as well.
Industry observers note that commercial bunkering could open a meaningful new revenue stream for Pakistan, since vessels transiting regional shipping lanes often prefer refueling at the nearest capable port rather than diverting to more distant facilities. Beyond the direct financial benefit, a successful operation of this kind also strengthens international confidence in Gwadar’s infrastructure, operational readiness, and security arrangements factors that matter considerably to global shipping lines weighing whether to route vessels through the port.
Port officials have described the operation as the starting point for a regular commercial bunkering service at Gwadar, rather than a one-off event. If sustained, this could meaningfully boost Pakistan’s blue economy, expand opportunities in logistics and marine services, and create new local employment in port-related trades. The development also aligns with CPEC’s long-standing vision of positioning Gwadar as a regional hub for trade and energy a goal that has moved incrementally closer with each new service the port is able to offer.
