Karachi Port has achieved a major maritime milestone after Vitol’s bunker vessel Marine ISTA completed the largest-ever bunkering operation in the country’s history, supplying 4,900 metric tonnes of marine fuel to the MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company vessel MSC Apollo, according to a statement released on April 13.

The operation was carried out as a dedicated bunker-only call at the Karachi Port Trust area, highlighting the port’s growing capacity to handle large-scale fuel transfers for international shipping lines. Officials say the development marks a significant step forward in strengthening Pakistan’s marine fuel supply chain.

This record-setting delivery builds on the rapid expansion of bunkering activities at Karachi Port over the past year. In November 2025, Marine ISTA had previously set a national benchmark with one of the largest very low sulphur fuel oil deliveries, demonstrating the increasing scale of operations in the sector.

Earlier this year, Pakistan officially launched modern marine bunkering services through Vitol at Karachi Port, with an ambitious plan to supply between 500,000 and 600,000 metric tonnes of marine fuel annually across Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and nearby anchorage zones. The strategy also aims to support 70 to 100 bunkering operations each month by 2026.

Industry stakeholders believe the expanding bunkering market could provide a reliable outlet for domestic refinery output, helping stabilize fuel demand while boosting the maritime economy. It is also expected to enhance Karachi’s position as a competitive regional hub for shipping and transshipment.

The milestone further strengthens Pakistan’s ambitions to improve vessel turnaround times and attract greater international shipping traffic through its ports, signaling a broader push to modernize the country’s maritime infrastructure.