Independent Report
Karachi, 20 November 2025:
In a landmark achievement, Pakistan has successfully carried out the first large-scale production and delivery of IMO-compliant Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) from the Karachi Port Trust Oil Pier. The shipment was executed using Vitol’s Singapore-flagged bunker barge, Marine Ista, with a Dead Weight Tonnage (DWT) of 8,722 MT.
This milestone represents a major step forward for Pakistan’s energy and maritime sectors, facilitating domestic production and supply of environmentally compliant marine fuels. The accomplishment is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s blue economy and position the country as a reliable supplier of international-standard marine fuels.
The achievement was made possible through the close collaboration of the Prime Minister’s Maritime Task Force and other key government stakeholders. The provision of IMO-compliant VLSFO to vessels operated by some of the world’s largest shipping companies is expected to act as a catalyst for expanding Pakistan’s maritime trade and sustainable energy initiatives.
Vitol has also identified multiple areas for collaboration, with a particular focus on barge operations within the maritime sector, signaling a long-term commitment to developing Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure.
This historic step underscores Pakistan’s commitment to environmental compliance, energy security, and global maritime standards, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s maritime development journey.
