Gwadar Port completes first commercial bunkering

Gwadar Port carried out its first commercial bunkering operation between July 9 and 11, supplying 2,500 metric tonnes of very low sulphur fuel oil to the LNG carrier Enugu, officials said. Reaction pending.

Officials said the operation was run jointly by the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), National Logistics Cell (NLC), Gwadar International Terminals Limited (GITL) and Vitol Asia, with the bunker barge Marine Ista performing the transfer. Pakistan Customs, port authorities and local agent Pak Traders Gwadar handled clearances and logistics for the 285.4-metre vessel.

2,500 tonnes bunkered on Enugu

Port authorities described the operation as the formal launch of commercial bunkering services at Gwadar, enabling the port to refuel international vessels in addition to cargo handling. Officials said the development aligns with the China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor vision to expand Gwadar’s role as a regional trade and energy hub.

Authorities and industry participants said the move could generate new foreign‑exchange earnings and broaden marine services and logistics work in Gwadar, though they did not publish immediate volume forecasts. The involvement of a major trader signals commercial interest in using Gwadar as a fuel stop for long-haul voyages.

Watch for port updates and the first published monthly bunkering figures by August 31, 2026; authorities said they will track additional international bunker calls through September 2026.