title:PNSC Inducts Aframax Tanker MT Karachi Boosting Fleet
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation has taken asignificant step in bolstering the nation’s maritime infrastructure byinducting a new Aframax tanker into its managed fleet. This development,disclosed through a formal stock filing with the Pakistan Stock Exchange,marks a key milestone in PNSC’s ongoing efforts to expand its operationalcapacity amid rising energy import demands. The induction raises questionsabout how this addition will impact Pakistan’s reliance on foreign shippingand contribute to long-term economic resilience in the critical oiltransportation sector.
The newly inducted vessel, named MT Karachi, possesses a substantialdeadweight tonnage of 109,990 tons, making it well-suited for carryinglarge volumes of crude oil and petroleum products. Acquired through PNSC’swholly-owned subsidiary, Karachi Shipping (Private) Limited, the tankerrepresents a deliberate investment in modern, efficient shipping assets.This move follows earlier announcements in October 2025 regarding theprocurement process, highlighting the corporation’s strategic planning toenhance its liquid bulk capabilities.
Aframax tankers, typically ranging between 80,000 and 120,000 deadweighttons, are highly valued in global maritime trade for their versatility inaccessing a wide range of ports that larger Very Large Crude Carrierscannot reach. The addition of MT Karachi aligns with PNSC’s broader fleetmodernization strategy, which has seen the corporation progressivelyincrease its vessel count in recent years. Such vessels provide operationalflexibility, enabling cost-effective transportation of energy commoditiesessential to Pakistan’s economy.
Pakistan relies heavily on imported crude oil and refined products to meetnearly 70 percent of its energy requirements, resulting in substantialforeign exchange outflows for freight services provided by internationalcarriers. Estimates indicate that the country spends approximately $4.6billion annually on such payments to foreign shipping lines. By expandingits national fleet with capable tankers like MT Karachi, PNSC aims tointernalize a larger portion of these transport services, thereby reducingdependency and conserving valuable reserves.
The induction was formally notified in compliance with regulatoryrequirements, including Section 96 of the Securities Act, 2015, and Clause5.6.1(a) of the PSX Rule Book. This disclosure follows an initialannouncement made in mid-October 2025, demonstrating transparency andadherence to corporate governance standards. The timely integration of thetanker into the managed fleet underscores PNSC’s commitment to operationalefficiency and shareholder value in a competitive maritime environment.
This development forms part of a larger ambition to significantly grow thenational fleet. Previous expansions have included the addition of multipleAframax and other class tankers, progressively raising the total fromaround 10 vessels to higher numbers. Plans discussed in official briefingshave targeted further increases, potentially reaching 20 or even 30 shipsin the medium term, supported by investments in secondhand and moderntonnage to enhance both capacity and fuel efficiency.
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The strategic importance of such inductions extends beyond immediatefreight savings. A stronger national shipping presence contributes toenergy security by ensuring reliable supply chains, particularly duringglobal disruptions or geopolitical tensions affecting sea routes. Aframaxvessels, with their balanced size and efficiency, offer advantages inregional trade, including shorter-haul deliveries that suit Pakistan’simport patterns from the Middle East and other sources.
Experts note that modern tankers like MT Karachi, with lower fuelconsumption compared to older models, promise reduced operating costs andhigher revenue potential in favorable freight markets. This aligns withPNSC’s financial performance goals, as the corporation continues to exploreopportunities in both domestic and international chartering. The inductionreinforces the role of state-owned entities in driving maritime revival andsupporting broader economic objectives.
Overall, the addition of this Aframax tanker signals a positive trajectoryfor PNSC and Pakistan’s shipping sector. It reflects sustained governmentaland corporate focus on infrastructure development, with implications forimproved trade logistics, foreign exchange conservation, and enhancednational sovereignty in energy transportation. As global demand for oiltankers evolves, such strategic enhancements position Pakistan morefavorably in the international maritime landscape.
Source: https://propakistani.pk/2026/01/14/pnsc-adds-new-tanker-to-its-fleet
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