Energy and commodities company Vitol has commenced bunkering operations in Pakistan with the delivery of the country's first large-scale production of IMO-compliant very-low-sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO).

On November 17, the Singapore-flagged bunker barge Marine Ista delivered what Vitol described as the largest VLSFO stem to date in Pakistan to a vessel operated by MSC at DP World Port Qasim Authority. The Marine Ista, with a deadweight tonnage of 8,722 tonnes, has a capacity to supply 6,800 tonnes of marine fuel in a single delivery.

The fuel was produced at Cnergyico's refinery in Hub, Balochistan, from the first US crude oil to be refined in Pakistan, which was delivered by Vitol. Cnergyico operates Pakistan's largest refinery by capacity, with a combined refining capacity of 156,000 barrels per day.

The Marine Ista became the first bunker barge to load directly from Karachi Port Trust Oil Pier, rather than through trucks, Vitol said.

The Dutch multinational noted that it will serve three locations in Pakistan — Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and Karachi Anchorage — through the Marine Ista.

"We are delighted to be partnering with Cnergyico on this milestone for Pakistan," commented Ammar Hussaini of Vitol Bunkers. "Our global network of bunkering locations continues to expand, and our customers benefit from greater flexibility and more energy supply options."

Under the partnership, Cnergyico will supply Vitol with VLSFO on a continuous basis.

Aumar Abbassciy, director at Cnergyico Pk Limited, stated: "We are glad to start this new business segment with Vitol Asia. Our partnership with Vitol continues to evolve and this latest initiative enhances Pakistan's capacity to serve the global shipping industry with sustainable fuel solutions."

Vitol performs bunker deliveries across multiple locations in Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Australia and North America.