GWADAR: In a significant milestone for Pak­ist­an’s maritime trade, Gwa­dar Port has successfully carried out its first-ever commercial bunkering (ship refuelling) operation.

During the operation, the LNG carrier LNG ENUGU, jointly owned by QatarEnergy, ADNOC and global energy company Vitol, was supplied with 2,500 tonnes of very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) at Gwadar Port.

The refuelling of the 285.4-metre-long vessel was carried out by the bunker barge Marine Ista.

The operation was conducted between July 9 and July 11 through a collaborative effort involving the Gwadar Port Authority, NLC, Gwadar Intern­ational Terminals Ltd and Vitol Asia.

Pakistan Customs, port authorities and local shipping agent Pak Traders Gwadar played a role in ensuring efficient completion of the operation. With this development, Gwadar Port has moved beyond cargo handling to emerge as a maritime hub capable of providing fuel and other marine services to international vessels.

Experts said the breakthrough would open up new avenues for foreign exchange and revenue generation. It will also strengthen global confidence in the port’s capabilities, infrastructure and security framework. The achievement is in line with CPEC vision to transform Gwadar into a key trade and energy hub.

The operation marked the formal launch of commercial bunkering services at Gwadar.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2026