The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) has accelerated its vessel procurement process following directives from Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, as part of a plan to expand the national fleet to 30 ships by 2026.
During a briefing in Islamabad on Friday, PNSC management reported that the fleet expansion plan was advancing steadily, with key procurement stages near completion.
The PNSC Board had earlier approved the purchase of three secondhand Aframax and MR-2 class oil tankers, following evaluation and due diligence procedures in line with public procurement regulations.
In its latest session, the Board approved the acquisition of three vessels: MT Lorex, to be renamed MT Karachi, for USD 74.5 million; MT Nafsika, to be renamed MT Lahore, also for USD 74.5 million; and MT Stavanger Poseidon, to be renamed MT Quetta, for USD 44.15 million.
The first two vessels are Aframax tankers, while the third is an MR-2 class ship. PNSC is in the final stage of negotiations with the current owners. Legal and commercial formalities are expected to conclude shortly, after which contracts will be signed.
Delivery of the tankers is planned by late December 2025, when they will join the national fleet. At the same time, PNSC has started the procurement process for 12 more vessels, issuing tenders for four LR-2, four MR-2, and four MR-1 class ships. The corporation is reviewing bids and conducting technical evaluations under its fleet enhancement program.
Minister Junaid Chaudhry reaffirmed the government’s intention to strengthen the country’s maritime logistics capacity, stating that the accelerated procurement process would help expand Pakistan’s shipping operations and lessen dependence on foreign carriers for energy and cargo transport.
The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation is a state-owned enterprise established under the Companies Act, operating under the administrative control of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Government of Pakistan. It serves as the country’s national flag carrier for maritime transport, managing and operating vessels for energy and cargo shipments both domestically and internationally.
