KARACHI: The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) has handled Pakistan’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo after safely berthing a Q-Flex LNG carrier at its terminal, it announced in a statement on Wednesday.
The cargo was transported aboard Al Kharratiyat from Qatar. The vessel entered the Port Qasim channel early in the morning and was successfully berthed at the Engro LNG Terminal at 10am.
According to the PQA statement, the operation marked the largest LNG handling in the port’s history, involving a cargo volume of 210,250 cubic metres and 92,510 metric tonnes of LNG. The vessel is carrying two LNG parcels, which will be discharged in phases.
Port Qasim’s navigation channel, stretching around 49 kilometres from the Arabian Sea to the berth, is considered one of the world’s largest LNG channels. The nature of its operations requires highly precise tidal timing and draft management, making the successful berthing particularly significant as operational constraints intensify during the monsoon season.
Besides LNG handling, Port Qasim serves as a major gateway for the country’s commercial cargo operations, including containerised cargo, dry and liquid bulk cargo, coal, rice, cement, steel and petroleum products.
The authority said advanced systems, digitalisation and round-the-clock operations help ensure smooth vessel movement and support Pakistan’s trade competitiveness and maritime significance.
The milestone was achieved through the joint efforts of all stakeholders, including QatarEnergy as the loading operator, Nakilat as the vessel owner, Engro LNG Terminal as the receiving terminal, Pakistan State Oil as the supply chain partner, and Port Qasim’s marine operations team.
The PQA said close coordination among stakeholders, along with expertise in tidal and draft planning, ensured the successful execution of the operation.
