Alpine Marine Services Pvt Ltd

Pakistan Trade Bulletin

Sustainability • Ports • Trade • Energy • Logistics • Policy

Saudi Delegation Explores Investment Opportunities in Karachi Ports

A high-level business delegation from Saudi Arabia has shown intense concern in investment opportunities within Pakistan’s maritime sector, committed on port infrastructure, terminal expansion and development, logistics connectivity, and sustainable port evolving initiatives. During visits to Karachi Port Trust, Port Qasim Authority, and South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited, delegates reviewed potential areas for collaboration and cooperation objected at boosting Pakistan’s role with responsibility in regional trade and logistics networks. The discussions focused on central development projects, including the proposed Maritime Business District, terminal expansion programs, freight corridor development, and green port initiatives designed to improve operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. Officials highlighted these projects as part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to modernize port infrastructure, attract foreign investor, and support maritime trade capabilities. Among the opportunities offered, a proposal valued at approximately $5.4 billion is presently under evaluation by port authorities, with construction activities possibly beginning in 2028. The Saudi delegation’s interest imitates mounting economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, chiefly in shipping, logistics, and industrial development. The projects offer noteworthy investment potential, with implementation remains contingent upon feasibility studies, regulatory approvals, commitments for investment, and the completion of necessary commercial with institutional arrangements between all stakeholders.

IMO Launches Global Survey on Maritime Single Window Implementation

To assess the implementation and effectiveness of Maritime Single Window (MSW) systems, The International Maritime Organization has launched a worldwide survey, targeting to better understand impact on reducing administrative workloads for maritime stakeholders. MSWs are intended to restructure port call procedures by permitting ships and associated parties to submit essential information once through a digital platform, using harmonized data standards that support information sharing among different authorities and systems. Through the survey, the IMO pursues to evaluate the extent of MSW adoption by the end of 2026 and determine whether these implemented systems are carrying the competence gains and reporting interpretation they were intended to achieve. The initiative is open to public authorities, port operators, shipping companies, agents, and other stakeholders involved in the submission, processing, or use of maritime reporting information. The information collected will support to identify common challenges, emerging trends, and industry best practices while supporting future improvements in MSW implementation worldwide. In 2028, the IMO also plans to conduct a follow-up survey to measure progress and assess developments since 2026. BIMCO has encouraged its members and industry participants to submit their responses by 30 November 2026.

Pakistan Launches Online Ship and Boat Registration System

The operational launch of an online ship and boat registration system has been declared by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, allowing vessel owners to submit registration applications electronically without the need to visit government offices. The initiative is step toward the digital transformation of the Pakistan ’s maritime administration. According to the minister, the newly activated ship and boat registration modules are completely efficient and available online subsequent to the completion of all obligatory preparations. The system is expected to modernize registration procedures, reduce paperwork, time and costs efficient for applicants, and improve transparency across the registration process. It will support the maintenance of a more accurate and up-to-date national database of registered vessels. In accordance with maritime laws and regulations, the Mercantile Marine Department, which operates under the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, is accountable for registering merchant ships, fishing boats, sailing vessels, and harbor craft. To further enhance user convenience, the ministry is also working on integrating online payment facilities. Meeting for discussion between the State Bank of Pakistan and MMD officials are premeditated to enable the introduction of a secure electronic payment mechanism within the registration platform.

Pakistan Seeks LNG Cargoes for Winter Demand

For the upcoming winter season, State-owned Pakistan LNG Limited is encouraged to secure additional liquefied natural gas supplies by inviting international bids for two LNG cargoes to be delivered at Port Qasim, Karachi. The tender, issued on 4 November 2026, seeks two cargoes of approximately 140,000 cubic meters each on a Delivered Ex-Ship basis, with delivery scheduled for 14-16 December 2026 and 9-11 January 2027. The procurement for LNG cargo is essential for Pakistan’s broader strategy to ensure uninterrupted gas supplies during peak winter demand. However, bids received from Total Energies Gas & Power Limited and Qatar Energy Trading LLC ranged between $27.10 and $31 per MMBtu. Received bids were estimated too expensive by authorities and as a result, the offers were rejected despite Total Energies evolved as the lowest bidder. Following the rejection, Pakistan LNG Limited issued a another new tender, seeking more competitive pricing as global LNG markets continue to instable amid winter demand and regional supply disruptions.

Nishat Group Shows Interest in Pakistan's Planned New Port

Nishat Group, one of Pakistan’s prime business conglomerates, has expressed interest in investing in a proposed new deep-sea port being planned by the federal government. The development arose following a meeting between, Chairman of Nishat Group and Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs. According to official statement, the group is willing to explore investment opportunities in the project, particularly to support logistics and export-oriented industries. While no investment size, financing arrangement, or formal agreement has yet been announced, the government views private-sector participation as essential for mobilizing capital, introducing modern technologies, and expanding Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure. The proposed port is part of the government's long-term maritime development strategy. However, authorities have not yet finalized the port’s location, cost, or construction timeline. A committee comprising representatives from Karachi Port Trust, Port Qasim Authority, Gwadar Port Authority, and the Special Investment Facilitation Council is presently evaluating potential sites along Pakistan’s coastline. If apprehended, the project could enhance Pakistan’s trade connectivity, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the country’s position as a regional logistics and maritime hub.

PSO, Kuwait Petroleum Strengthen Energy Partnership

Pakistan State Oil and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation have reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring uninterrupted supplies of diesel and jet fuel to Pakistan while exploring new opportunities for cooperation across the energy value chain. The understanding was grasped during a high-level visit by a PSO delegation to Kuwait, where discussions focused on enhancing the long-standing commercial relationship between the two organizations. A main outcome of the discussion was KPC’s interest in utilizing Pakistan’s petroleum storage and port infrastructure under the government’s revised Customs Bonded Storage Policy. The proposed arrangement would allow KPC to store imported petroleum products in Pakistan for domestic sales as well as re-export to regional markets, potentially positioning the country as a regional energy and logistics hub. The two sides also decided to evaluate existing fuel supply arrangements in line with current market conditions and explored collaboration in refining, storage, shipping, gas infrastructure, base oil supplies, and lubricant marketing. In additions, discussions highlighted investment opportunities in Pakistan’s energy sector and the potential to expand petroleum trading activities. The engagement reflects more than five decades of energy cooperation between Pakistan and Kuwait, with both parties seeking to broaden the partnership beyond traditional fuel supply agreements and unlock new avenues for long-term commercial growth.

MSC Explores Investment Opportunities in Pakistan’s Maritime Sector

One of the world’s leading container shipping lines, Mediterranean Shipping Company, has expressed interest in expanding its presence in Pakistan by exploring investment opportunities across the Pakistan’s maritime and logistics sectors. The interest was conveyed during a meeting in Geneva between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for the Board of Investment, and Chief Executive Officer of MSC. The discussions focused on potential collaboration in port infrastructure, container handling, shipping services, logistics operations, warehousing, transshipment facilities, and integrated supply chain solutions. As part of the engagement, MSC settled to send a delegation to Pakistan to assess possible investment projects and hold detailed discussions with relevant stakeholders. During the meeting, the minister highlighted the strategic importance of port of Pakistan, emphasizing Pakistan’s location as a gateway to regional and international markets. MSC’s extensive global network and operational expertise could help strengthen Pakistan’s trade connectivity and logistics capabilities. Headquartered in Geneva, MSC operates around 1,000 vessels serving more than 520 ports worldwide. While no precise investment commitments were declared, the anticipated visit indications growing international interest in Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure and longstanding logistics development.

OGRA Approves Furnace Oil Exports Amid Surplus Supply

Four refineries of Pakistan have been authorized to export a combined 165,000 tons of furnace oil (FO) during November, reflecting surplus availability driven by changing domestic energy consumption patterns by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority. Under the approved allocation, Pakistan Refinery Limited and Cnergyico PK Limited have each been permitted to export 50,000 tons, while Pak-Arab Refinery Limited can export 60,000 tons and National Refinery Limited 5,000 tons. The decision follows an assessment of local fuel requirements and comes as furnace oil usage in Pakistan continues to evolve. Although FO remains part of the country’s power generation mix, increasing reliance on alternative energy sources and changing electricity demand patterns have reduced overall domestic consumption, leading to higher inventory levels at refineries. Exporting surplus volumes helps refiners optimize storage capacity and improve inventory management. Pakistan has already exported significant quantities of furnace oil during the current financial year, stressed the continued international demand. In the meantime, furnace oil-based electricity generation recorded a noteworthy increase in September following disruptions in RLNG supplies, underscoring the fuel’s ongoing role as a backup source in the national energy system.