The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) has added two new Aframax tankers to its fleet, raising the total number of ships from 10 to 12.
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has set a target to expand the national fleet to 20 vessels by the end of this year.
According to officials, Pakistan pays $4.6 billion annually to foreign shipping companies in freight charges. The addition of new tankers will help the country manage rising energy imports more efficiently.
Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry was briefed by PNSC officials on the development. During the briefing, he said that the Aframax tankers will play a vital role in transporting crude oil and petroleum products, adding that expanding the national fleet is a crucial step for energy security.
He further emphasized that reducing reliance on foreign shipping would save Pakistan valuable foreign exchange.
The PNSC, he said, must also accelerate its efforts to explore new business opportunities both domestically and internationally.
