Quetta Shipping Company (Private) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of PNSC, has signed a memorandum of agreement to acquire an MR-II class tanker. The deal is part of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand its national shipping fleet.
According to a notice submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange, the agreement covers the purchase of M.T. Stavanger Poseidon, a tanker with a deadweight tonnage of 50,000 tonnes. The vessel will be renamed MT Quetta after its integration into the fleet.
The acquisition follows PNSC’s board approval for the purchase of three vessels totaling $193.1 million, aimed at increasing the national fleet to 30 ships by 2026. The approved vessels include MT Lorex (to be renamed MT Karachi) and MT Nafsika (to be renamed MT Lahore), both Aframax tankers, each costing $74.5 million, along with MT Stavanger Poseidon at $44.15 million.
In addition to these purchases, PNSC has launched procurement for 12 additional ships, issuing tenders for four LR-2, four MR-2, and four MR-1 class vessels. This expansion is expected to enhance Pakistan’s shipping capacity and strengthen its role in international maritime trade.
Officials from PNSC stated that the fleet expansion program will help improve trade logistics, increase national shipping efficiency, and reduce dependence on foreign-owned vessels. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure and enhance the competitiveness of the national fleet.
Industry experts say that expanding the fleet is crucial to meeting growing international shipping demand. The new vessels will support long-term economic growth and position Pakistan as a stronger player in global maritime commerce.
In other related news also read PNSC expands fleet with Aframax tankers, eyes 20 ships soon
The MR-II tanker acquisition marks a significant step for PNSC in achieving its goal of a modernized, efficient, and competitive shipping fleet capable of supporting national and international trade needs.
