PQA handles country’s largest-ever LNG cargo discharge

KARACHI: Port Qasim Authority (PQA) has etched its name in Pakistan’s maritime history by successfully handling the largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo ever discharged in the country, marking a landmark moment for the nation’s energy and trade infrastructure. According to the details, the record-breaking operation was carried out aboard the Q-Flex LNG carrier MV Al Kharaitiyat, which navigated Port Qasim’s 49-kilometre channel from the Arabian Sea before being secured at the Engro Elengy Terminal (EETL) by 10:00 AM. The vessel operated at a draft of 12.10 metres, carrying a cargo volume of 210,250 m³ / 92,510 MT of LNG, the deepest and fullest Q-Flex operation ever recorded at PQA. READ MORE: Second Qatari LNG tanker heads through Hormuz to Pakistan as Iran war continues, data shows To maximise throughput efficiency while maintaining strict safety margins, the vessel’s two LNG parcels were discharged sequentially, a technically demanding approach that underscored the operational precision of all teams involved. The achievement is particularly noteworthy given its timing. With the monsoon season setting in, a period when operational limitations on Pakistan’s waterways become considerably stricter, executing such a large-scale berthing required meticulous tidal window planning and draft management. Port Qasim’s navigation channel, spanning approximately 49 km, is recognised as one of the longest LNG channels in the world, and its complex hydrodynamics make large-vessel operations a significant logistical challenge under any conditions. The milestone was the product of close coordination among multiple stakeholders across Pakistan’s energy supply chain. Qatar Energy served as the loading operator, Nakilat operated as the vessel owner, Engro Elengy Terminal received the cargo, and Pakistan State Oil (PSO) ensured supply chain integration. PQA’s Marine Operations team led tidal and draft planning in close collaboration with Qatar Energy and Nakilat, with the authority crediting the skill and professionalism of its personnel as central to the operation’s flawless execution. While the LNG achievement stands as a flagship milestone, Port Qasim Authority emphasised that it continues to serve as Pakistan’s primary maritime gateway for a wide spectrum of cargo including containerised goods, dry bulk, liquid bulk, coal, rice, cement, steel, and petroleum products. With ongoing investments in modernised systems, digitalisation, and round-the-clock operations, PQA remains committed to ensuring seamless cargo throughput across its specialised terminals, reinforcing Pakistan’s trade resilience and regional competitiveness. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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