After a hiatus of 28 years, night navigation of a fully-laden petroleum products vessel has successfully commenced in Pakistan.
An oil vessel MT. Ardmore, carrying imported motor gasoline, berthed at the Fauji Oil Terminal and Distribution Company (FOTCO) by Port Qasim Authority (PQA) on May 10 under night navigation protocols.
“This marks the successful commencement of fully operational night navigation for oil tankers calling at PQA, a major breakthrough in oil import handling operations in Pakistan,” the company said in a press statement.
It should be noted that through this initiative, the port and FOTCO’s capacity to handle petroleum vessels will enhance by up to 30%, translating into a handling capacity of 18 vessels in a month. This will resolve port congestion and save heavy demurrages faced by the importers during peak seasons.
“The growing need for petroleum products, coupled with increasing reliance on imports, warrants efficient functioning of port infrastructures across the country,” the statement read.
With FOTCO and PQA handling over 70% of imported finished POL products, the efficient operations of the port and terminal are critical for the country’s energy security.
Efforts in rationalizing berthing plans, vessel performance, and maximizing cross-country pipeline utilization will result in ensuring a longer-term sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective supply of petroleum to the end consumer.
