November 18, 2025 [Bunker Market]- In a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s maritime and energy sectors, Vitol has completed the country’s first large-scale production and delivery of IMO-compliant very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO). The milestone was reached with the supply of the largest VLSFO stem ever delivered in Pakistan, bunkered to an MSC-operated vessel at DP World’s Port Qasim Authority.

This advancement was made possible through the coordinated efforts of Vitol, Pakistan’s largest refinery Cnergyico Pk Limited, and the Karachi Port Trust.

First-Ever Direct Bunkering from Karachi Port Trust Oil Pier

Vitol’s Singapore-flagged bunker barge Marine Ista — with a deadweight tonnage of 8,722 MT — became the first bunker vessel in Pakistan to load product directly from the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Oil Pier, bypassing the traditional, less efficient truck-loading method.

The Marine Ista delivered Pakistan’s largest single VLSFO bunkering stem to date to an MSC vessel, marking a new operational standard for large-scale bunkering in the country. The barge can supply 6,800 MT of marine fuel in a single delivery, enabling it to service long-haul, east-to-west voyages that previously relied on foreign ports for compliant fuel.

“Our new locations — Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and Karachi Anchorage — will be served by our vessel, the Marine Ista,” said Ammar Hussaini of Vitol Bunkers. “This vessel’s capacity transforms Pakistan’s ability to cater to large vessels and supports the expanding global demand for IMO-compliant fuels.”

First Local Production of IMO-Compliant Fuel Oil in Pakistan

The VLSFO supplied by Vitol was produced at Cnergyico, Pakistan’s largest refinery by capacity, using the first cargo of U.S. crude oil ever refined in Pakistan.

This is the first time Pakistan has produced low sulphur fuel oil at a scale capable of meeting the International Maritime Organization’s environmental compliance requirements, marking a major step toward reducing sulphur emissions in the region.

Cnergyico and Vitol have confirmed an ongoing supply agreement, ensuring continuous production and availability of locally refined VLSFO for international and domestic shipping lines calling at Pakistani ports.

“Our partnership with Vitol continues to evolve, and this initiative enhances Pakistan’s capacity to serve the global shipping industry with sustainable fuel solutions,” said Aumar Abbassciy, Director at Cnergyico Pk Limited.

A Milestone for Pakistan’s Maritime Competitiveness

This development positions Pakistan as an emerging regional bunkering hub by enabling:

• Local availability of IMO-compliant 0.5% sulphur fuel oil
• Faster turnaround times for visiting vessels
• Reduced reliance on foreign ports for compliant fuel bunkering
• Lower emissions aligned with IMO and regional environmental targets

The initiative is expected to significantly improve Pakistan’s attractiveness to global shipping lines by offering reliable, high-volume marine fuel supply options.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Cnergyico on this milestone for Pakistan,” added Ammar Hussaini. “Our global bunkering network continues to expand, providing customers with enhanced flexibility and dependable fuel supply options.”

Marine Ista: Vessel Specifications

The Marine Ista, central to this operation, is a high-capacity, segregated bunker barge designed for efficient delivery of compliant fuels to large vessels:

• Build Year:2007
• Deadweight Tonnage (DWT):8,722 MT
• Length Overall (LOA):103 m³
• Total Marine Fuel Capacity:6,800 MT (single delivery)
• Cargo Segregation:LSMGO (Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil) & VLSFO
• Maximum Load Capacities:VLSFO 5,700 MT, LSMGO 1,050 MT
• Cargo Pump Capacity:2 × 1000 m³/hr + 1 × 350 m³/hr electric