By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation has continued to maintain uninterrupted energy supplies to Pakistan despite rising geopolitical tensions and disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz and nearby maritime routes, officials said.
According to details, the state-run carrier sustained its operations even after the High Risk Area was expanded to include regions such as the Red Sea, Fujairah and Sohar, where several foreign vessels reportedly avoided sailing due to security concerns. Despite these challenges, PNSC vessels remained active, ensuring continuity in supply chains at a critical time.
Since the escalation in regional tensions, the corporation has transported around 574,000 metric tonnes of crude oil—equivalent to approximately eight to nine cargo shipments—along with 61,000 metric tonnes of gasoil under arrangements with Pakistan State Oil. Officials said this played a key role in keeping the country’s energy supply stable.
In addition, PNSC managed to maintain stable freight rates, even as global shipping costs surged by five to six times in affected markets due to heightened risks and rerouting of maritime traffic. Officials described this as a significant achievement in the face of volatile international conditions.
The corporation highlighted that its performance demonstrated the importance of Pakistan-flagged vessels and national crews in sustaining supply chains during crises. It urged importers and exporters to increasingly rely on national shipping services in the long term to strengthen maritime resilience and ensure uninterrupted trade flows during periods of uncertainty.
