Historic Milestone: Gwadar Launches International Bunkering Services

Gwadar Port Achieves Historic Milestone with First International Commercial Bunkering Operation
GWADAR, Pakistan – July 12, 2026 Ali Imran Chattha
Gwadar Port has reached a landmark achievement by successfully completing its first international commercial bunkering operation, officially launching marine fuel supply services for global shipping.
The operation, conducted from July 9 to 11, involved the supply of 2,500 metric tons of Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) to the LNG carrier ENUGU, a 285.4‑meter vessel owned by QatarEnergy, ADNOC, and Vitol. The fueling was carried out by the bunker barge Marine Ista.
This milestone was made possible through collaboration between Gwadar Port Authority, Pakistan National Logistics Corporation (NLC), Gwadar International Terminal Limited (GITL), and global energy trader Vitol Asia. Pakistan Customs and local shipping agent Pak Traders Gwadar also provided support. Notably, the fuel was supplied by Cnergyico PK Limited, a Pakistani refiner, demonstrating the country's capability to meet international marine fuel standards.
Industry experts view this successful operation as a major breakthrough for Pakistan’s maritime sector. It not only opens a new revenue stream for Gwadar Port but also positions it as a safe, efficient, and reliable alternative bunkering hub for international vessels – a strategic advantage particularly significant amid geopolitical tensions affecting traditional shipping routes and refueling ports.
This achievement aligns closely with the China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) vision of transforming Gwadar into a regional trade and energy nexus. Port authorities have indicated that more international ships are expected to call for bunkering in the future, which will boost Pakistan’s blue economy, logistics, maritime services, and create local employment opportunities.
The successful bunkering trial marks a new chapter for Gwadar, reinforcing its emergence as a key player in regional maritime commerce and energy logistics.