The Government of Pakistan has approved the purchase of three new oil tankers for the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), a strategic move aimed at strengthening the country’s maritime fleet and expanding its shipping capacity.
According to official reports, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry confirmed that the new tankers will be named MT Karachi, MT Lahore, and MT Quetta, symbolizing three of Pakistan’s most significant cities. The vessels are expected to be inducted into the national fleet by December 2025.
The minister emphasized that the acquisition aligns with the government’s long-term vision to enhance Pakistan’s maritime logistics capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign shipping lines. He added that the expansion plan reflects the country’s renewed focus on developing self-sufficient trade and transport infrastructure.
The government has also approved tenders for twelve additional ships, signaling a large-scale expansion drive. Once the new vessels are procured, PNSC aims to expand its operational fleet to fifteen ships by the end of 2025, and further to thirty ships by 2026, marking one of the largest growth phases in its history.
Founded in 1963 under the National Shipping Ordinance, the National Shipping Corporation (NSC) began its journey with a single vessel, MV Rupsa, in 1965. In 1979, it merged with the Pakistan Shipping Corporation (PSC) to form the PNSC as it exists today.
During its peak in the late 1970s, the PNSC fleet comprised nearly 60 ships, serving as a vital player in the country’s maritime trade. However, following the deregulation of the shipping sector in the early 1990s, the corporation’s monopoly ended, leading to a gradual reduction in its fleet size.
With the latest expansion, Pakistan aims to reclaim its strong maritime position, ensuring greater autonomy in oil transportation and international trade. Analysts note that this development could significantly boost national shipping revenues, improve logistics efficiency, and enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness in the regional shipping market.
As global trade continues to evolve, the modernization of the PNSC fleet stands as a major milestone in Pakistan’s maritime resurgence — blending heritage with innovation to meet future economic demands.
