Alpine Marine Services Pvt Ltd

Pakistan Trade Bulletin

Sustainability • Ports • Trade • Energy • Logistics • Policy

World Youth Skills Day 2026 – Skills for A Shared Future

World Youth Skills Day underlines the eminence of training youth with the knowledge and capabilities with teamwork, innovation, digital literacy, and workforce enthusiasm to shape sustainable and economies needed to succeed in a swiftly evolving world. This year, under the 2026 – theme “Skills for a Shared Future,” World Youth Skills Day spotlights innovative youth skills programs—initiatives that empower young people not only to adapt, but to lead with compassion, link cultural and social divides, build resilience. The necessity of a stable set of competencies and capabilities that combine emerging technical and digital capabilities, including AI and green skills, with essential human qualities that technology cannot replicate, such as adaptability, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. At Alpine, the idea aligns closely with commitment of professional growth, development and continuous learning. By employee training, technical expertise, industry knowledge, and staff empowerment to adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities. Developing skills not only improves individual professions but also strengthens organizational performance, nurturing innovation, productivity with efficiency, and long-term accomplishment for both employees and the communities.

Petroleum Division Proposes Enhanced Investor Safeguards and Incentives in Revised Refinery Policy

The amended Brownfield Refining Policy 2023 has been submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Energy by the Petroleum Division. Petroleum division proposes new investor protection measures and a fresh seven-year incentive package to support nearly $6 billion in refinery upgrade projects. Pakistan has proposed a revised refinery policy to attract investment in refinery upgrades through new protections for investors and lenders. The proposal comprises new provisions, including stability and parity clauses, allows refineries to open onshore foreign currency accounts, safeguards against adverse changes in taxation, regulations, licensing requirements and promotes Euro-V fuel production, reduces furnace oil output, and strengthens energy security. Compliance measures, escrow accounts, and project audits ensure transparency, while key refinery upgrades object to expand capacity and modernize the sector..

Government Key Maritime Initiatives to Boost Ports and Shipping

Pakistan is progressing a sequence of maritime and energy infrastructure projects, including the proposed "Energy City" initiative, which has already drawn interest from several oil-producing countries seeking to store petroleum products in the country. The Energy City project would operate through private-sector investment, with companies leasing government land to develop modern oil storage facilities. Oil stored at the sites could be re-exported without duties, while the reserves would also provide Pakistan with access to strategic supplies during periods of market disruption. The model was envisioned to attract investment, given the Pakistan’s limited capacity to self-reliantly finance large-scale strategic petroleum reserves..

First-Ever Marine Bunkering Operations at Gwadar

Pakistan achieved a maritime milestone by leading its first-ever marine bunkering operation at Gwadar Port through the bunkering barge Marine Ista. The operation supplied 2,500 metric tons of IMO-compliant Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), produced by Cnergyico PK Limited, to the UAE-owned LNG vessel LNG ENUGU. The bunkering service was executed by global energy trader Vitol in collaboration with the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) and under the agency services by Alpine Marine Services Pvt. Ltd. With this successful operation, Pakistan can now offer marine fuel supply services at all three of its major commercial ports—Karachi Port, Port Qasim and Gwadar Port. The expansion is predictable to boost Gwadar’s commercial appeal, attract international shipping lines and strengthen its position as a regional maritime, logistics and energy hub..

FBR to automate penalties for overstayed cargo at ports

The draft amendments to the Customs Rules, 2001, to introduce an automated penalty mechanism for overstayed cargo at ports, shared by the Federal Board of Revenue. The amendments were notified through SRO 1081(I)/2026 and will take effect from August 31, 2026. Under the proposed Overstayed Cargo Management Rules, 2026, the Customs Computerized System will automatically calculate penalties at the time of filing of the Goods Declaration or before the release of goods. The system will also issue an electronic show cause notice to the owner of the goods. The owner or authorized clearing agent may either accept the penalty calculated by the system and pay it through the WeBOC payment module or contest it through the adjudication process. The penalty rates under the rules will be prescribed through a notification issued by the Board after approval of the minister in charge..

Seafood Exports Hit Record in Fiscal Year 2025-26

According to the Federal Ministry for Maritime Affairs, during fiscal year 2025-26 Pakistan's exports of fish and fish preparations reached a record US$568 million despite disruptions to regional trade and maritime logistics. The landmark echoed the government's pledge to firming the blue economy, intensifying seafood exports and ensuring compliance with international food safety and quality standards. seafood exports were dispatched principally to China, Thailand, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Indonesia and the United States. Frozen fish continued the foremost export product, followed by frozen squid and cuttlefish, fish meal, shrimps, crabs, sardines, mackerels, flat fish, octopus and minced fish meat. The record-breaking trade reflected the Marine Fisheries Department commitment for their role in upholding international standards, strengthening regulatory oversight and facilitating access to export markets..

Government of Sindh Unveils Major Fisheries Reforms

The government of Sindh has announced a landmark reform package to modernize the fisheries sector, promote sustainable fishing practices, and improve the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen across the province. The reforms include the abolition of the long-standing contract fishing system, with fishing rights now reserved exclusively for licensed fishermen. To ensure transparency and better governance, fishermen’s identity cards will be integrated with NADRA, enabling verification through CNICs and creating a digital registration framework. Only verified fishermen will be eligible for fishing licenses, boat registration, government financial assistance, and World Bank-supported programs. The government will also extend facilities available to marine fishermen to inland fishing communities. Additionally, a large-scale aquaculture project, supported by the World Bank, will enhance seafood production, financial inclusion, and the long-term growth of Pakistan’s blue economy..

Pakistan Prioritizing Maritime Reforms

Pakistan is stressing port modernization upon blue economy and environmental sustainability as part of comprehensive modifications to modify the Pakistan's maritime sector. During a meeting with Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in Istanbul, the Minister of Maritime Affairs briefed about the Pakistan's initiatives to attract maritime investment and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals to strengthen international cooperation. Both sides decided to boost cooperation and collaboration in ship recycling, maritime governance, the blue economy and environmental protection. Minister of Maritime Affairs emphasized Pakistan's efforts to conservation of coastal ecosystems through large-scale mangrove plantation and other sustainable initiatives. Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) applauded Pakistan's development in maritime reforms and greeted its exertions and hard work to advance ship recycling, reinforce maritime governance and harness the potential of the blue economy. The IMO secretary-general also expressed interest in visiting Pakistan to further deepen cooperation and review ongoing maritime initiatives. Both sides reaffirming commitment to strengthening collaboration between Pakistan and the IMO to promote a safer, more sustainable and competitive maritime sector while expanding opportunities in the blue economy..