Govt pushes shipping sector growth as PNSC fleet grows to 12 vessels
Islamabad: – Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), the country’s national flag carrier, has expanded its fleet from 10 to 12 vessels with the addition of two Aframax-class tankers, Swan Lake and P. Aliki, enhancing maritime and energy transport capacity.
PNSC Chief Executive Officer Zarar Hussain briefed the Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, during a meeting today attended by the maritime ministry’s Secretary Syed Zafar Ali Shah, other officials and the heads of Karachi Port Trust and Port Qasim Authority (PQA).
Minister Junaid Chaudhry highlighted that these new tankers increase the PNSC fleet to 12 ships, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening the national shipping sector. He further announced the ambition to grow the fleet to 20 vessels by year-end.
He emphasized PNSC’s vital role in transporting crude oil and petroleum products, noting Aframax tankers, ranging from 80,000 to 120,000 deadweight tonnes, are favoured globally for their ability to access ports inaccessible to larger Very Large Crude Carriers. This expansion is expected to boost Pakistan’s capacity to efficiently handle rising energy imports.
Acknowledging country’s dependence on imports for nearly 70% of its energy needs, largely crude oil and refined products, Minister Chaudhry underlined that expanding the national fleet will decrease reliance on foreign shipping lines. Currently, freight payments to foreign carriers cost Pakistan an estimated $4.6 billion annually. By carrying more cargo on its own vessels, PNSC aims to save significant foreign exchange, increase revenue, and bolster the energy security, he added.
The minister also noted that PNSC is actively pursuing new business prospects both domestically and internationally, as part of wider efforts to revitalize maritime economy and enhance supply chain resilience against external shocks.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
