Storage Charges Reduced by 25–50% at Karachi Port Trust
The Federal Ministry for Maritime Affairs announced storage charge waivers ranging from 25 to 50 per cent at Karachi Port Trust (KPT) terminals to facilitate exporters affected by recent disruptions in Gulf-bound shipments. Following consultations with terminal operators to address exporters’ concerns, the chairman of KPT, led the initiative on the minister’s direction. The effort secured waivers of 50 per cent at KGTL from March 1 to 20, 2026; 50 per cent at KICT from March 1 to 10, 2026; and 25 per cent at SAPT from March 11 to 31, 2026. These measures apply to export containers stranded at terminal yards that could not be loaded due to operational issues. The waivers aim to reduce financial pressure on importers and exporters, clear pending consignments, ensure trade continuity, ease logistical bottlenecks, and improve cargo clearance efficiency. Maritime institutions are being encouraged to adopt a more facilitative and trade-friendly approach so that operational delays do not result in avoidable costs for stakeholders. The need for improved coordination among ports and terminal operators to ensure smoother logistics and better service delivery. The efficient port operations are vital for economic stability, export growth, and investor confidence.
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Arrival of LNG Cargo Through Seapeak Magellan
TotalEnergies will send the LNG vessel Seapeak Magellan after securing a contract to supply one cargo at $18.4 per MMBtu, according to officials. The ship is expected to arrive at Bin Qasim Port on April 30, 2026, carrying about 140,000 cubic meters (nearly 3 billion cubic feet) of LNG. Authorities said this volume is insufficient to fully operate four RLNG-based power plants, which require around 720 mmcfd to generate 4,800 MW at peak capacity. Although bids were invited for three cargoes, only one was approved, while two May shipments were rejected due to higher prices. TotalEnergies initially bid $18.88 per MMBtu before revising it to $18.4. Other offers included Vitol Bahrain, and OQ Trading. Future LNG procurement hinges on geopolitical developments, particularly related to the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan had been expecting four LNG cargoes from Qatar, but these could not materialize due to regional tensions, delays in the opening of Hormuz, and associated shipping risks.
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Pakistani Seafarers Gain Access to Norwegian Ships Under New Deal
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Norwegian Maritime Authority and the Pakistani Embassy in Norway to enhance the training and certification of Pakistani seafarers. The Federal Ministry for Maritime Affairs appreciated the initiative, observing that it will strengthen maritime cooperation between both countries. The development is seen as a compelling milestone for workforce of Pakistan in the international shipping industry. Officials emphasized that the agreement is expected to generate new employment opportunities within the maritime sector and opening pathways to international careers, enabling Pakistani seafarers to work aboard Norwegian-flagged vessels and provides seafarers with valuable exposure to advanced maritime systems and modern operational standards. By facilitating skill development and practical experience, the agreement objects to strengthen the professional capabilities of Pakistani seafarers and enhance their competitiveness in the global market, while reinforcing bilateral ties and promoting growth in maritime collaboration between the two countries .
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Pakistan, Iran Explores More Land Routes
At Karachi port, around 3,000 stranded containers are holding cargo originally destined for Iran. The vessels scheduled to pick up these shipments have yet to arrive, and rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have created uncertainty over when shipping operations will resume. In response, Pakistan has designated six transit routes for moving goods to Iran under a cashable bank guarantee framework. These routes include Gwadar–Gabd; Karachi/Port Qasim–Lyari–Ormara–Pasni–Gabd; Karachi/Port Qasim–Khuzdar–Dalbandin–Taftan; Gwadar–Turbat–Hoshab–Panjgur–Nagg–Besima–Khuzdar–Quetta/Lakpass–Dalbandin–Nokundi–Taftan; Gwadar–Liari–Khuzdar–Quetta/Lakpass–Dalbandin–Nokundi–Taftan; and Karachi/Port Qasim–Gwadar–Gabd. To formalize this arrangement, the Ministry of Commerce has issued the “Transit of Goods through Territory of Pakistan Order, 2026.”
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Deceptive Messages Assuring Secure Transit in the Strait of Hormuz
According to the Greek maritime risk management firm MARISKS, a warning has been issued regarding fake messages which are promising safe ship transit through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for cryptocurrency. Such fraudulent messages were sent to some shipping companies whose vessels are grounded west of the waterway. In recent development, Iran once again imposed blockade on the Strait of Hormuz after the US maintained its position not to lift the blockade of Iranian ports. In the wake of persistent blockade, some fraudsters or rogue actors claiming to represent Iranian authorities are involved in a scam, demanding transit fees in Bitcoin or Tether for facilitating the clearance. These specific messages are a scam; "after providing the documents and assessing your eligibility by the Iranian Security Services, we will be able to determine the fee to be paid in cryptocurrency (BTC or USDT). Only then will your vessel be able to transit the strait unimpeded at the pre-agreed time.” Iran has not issued any comment on the scam alert. Until now, around hundreds of ships and thousands of seafarers remained stranded in the Gulf.
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Permissions Granted Export Surplus of Furnace Oil
Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has approved export of up to 40,000 metric tons of furnace oil for April 2026 by Cnergyico Pakistan Limited, extending similar permissions granted earlier to other refineries. Previously, the regulator allowed Pak Arab Refinery Limited and National Refinery Limited to export 50,000 and 70,000 metric tons respectively, while Attock Refinery Limited has also applied for approval. The decision follows recommendations of the National Committee on Monitoring of Commodities, with export volumes subject to a ±10% margin and conditional on meeting domestic demand for high Sulphur furnace oil. Ogra directed the company to optimize loading operations to ensure shipments are dispatched within the assigned delivery window. Pakistan periodically permits furnace oil exports when local demand weakens and inventories rise, particularly as power generation shifts towards alternative fuels. The committee has decided to retain 100,000 metric tons of furnace oil for domestic use while allowing export of surplus quantities, ensuring local energy needs are met before shipments abroad.
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SOCAR to Supply Liquefied Natural Gas to Pakistan
Azerbaijan’s state energy company SOCAR is ready to supply liquefied natural gas to Pakistan as soon as it receives a request from Islamabad, as Pakistan seeks spot cargoes to ease a growing energy shortfall. A framework agreement signed in 2025 between SOCAR Trading and Pakistan LNG allows the Pakistani buyer to purchase LNG cargoes directly under an accelerated procedure. SOCAR is ready to provide LNG to Pakistan as soon as PLL submits a corresponding request. SOCAR did not say whether such a request had already been made, when a first delivery could take place, or whose LNG would be supplied under the agreement. Pakistan, which relies heavily on gas for its energy needs, remains vulnerable to declining domestic production and swings in global LNG prices amid the supply disruptions related to the war with Iran. In response to the high bids against spot cargoes and lack of progress in talks involving Iran and the United States, Pakistan may pursue a negotiated LNG deal with SOCAR. Pakistan LNG Limited already has an arrangement with SOCAR under which the Azerbaijani company can offer one distressed LNG cargo per month, subject to Pakistan’s acceptance. However, officials noted that due to strong global LNG demand, distressed cargoes are currently unavailable. Even so, SOCAR has recently indicated — around five days ago — that it remains ready to supply LNG if Pakistan seeks to proceed.
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Floating Jetty Project Launched
Making an infrastructure upgrade at the Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority, construction has begun on an eco-friendly floating jetty, announced by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs. The project objects to bolster coastal economies by improving market access and enhancing the seafood export supply chain. Floating jetty is intended to establish continuous water access regardless of tidal changes and will be enabling smoother and more efficient offloading of export-quality fish. Unlike fixed structures, the floating design adapts to fluctuating water levels, making it especially suitable for shallow coastal areas. The innovation is expected to reduce delays in unloading, improve handling efficiency, and support uninterrupted operations for fishing vessels. Scheduled for completion by June, the facility will benefit small-scale fisherfolk by shortening turnaround times between trips and lowering operational costs.
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Pakistan, China Signed Strategic Agreements for Future Growth
Three Memorandums of Understanding have been signed Pakistan and China, emphasized on seawater desalination, agricultural advancement, and development of the tea sector. These agreements are expected to create new investment avenues, improve essential services access, motivate modern technologies for adoption, and strengthen industrial collaboration between the two countries. With the increasing demands of large urban populations, seawater desalination has become a critical solution to address water shortages and ensure a reliable supply of clean water. At the same time, efforts to modernize agricultural techniques object to boost farmers’ productivity, increase exports, and make the national economy strong. The cooperation in the tea sector will support trade expansion, attract investment, and foster closer people-to-people connections. Overall, these initiatives approach a shared commitment to improving water resources, transforming agriculture, expanding trade, and reinforcing bilateral ties for sustainable development.
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Government Efforts Underway to Free Pakistanis Held by Somali Pirates
According to the preliminary reports, on Tuesday, Owner 25, an oil tanker has been captured by Somali pirates, in the Gulf of Aden near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait off the Somali coast. The vessel was carrying crew of different nationalities, including its Indonesian captain and 11 Pakistani nationals. Authorities have emphasized that coordinated efforts are underway to secure their release and 11 Pakistani crew members taken hostage have not been abandoned. Distressed families of the affected seafarers have approached officials seeking support and updates on the situation. In response, relevant authorities have been formally tasked with pursuing all possible channels to ensure the safe recovery of the hostages. Officials also confirmed that contact has been established with organizations linked to the European Union to assist in resolving the crisis through international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.
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