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Prima Marine has announced that it has signed a contract to be the exclusive bunker operator at the port of Gwadar, Pakistan.

The South Asia port, which is located approximately 700 kilometres west of Karachi, is operated by Gwadar Marine Services Ltd, a subsidiary of China Overseas Ports Holding Company Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd (COPHC). Other COPHC subsidiaries are Gwadar International Terminals Ltd (GITL) and Gwadar Free Zone Company Ltd. (GFZL).

Gwadar Marine Services is developing the port as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, which will see it established as a major deep-water port in the region.

When fully developed, Gwadar's approach channel will have a draft depth of 20 metres (up from 14.5 metres in project phase II), which will enable larger containerships to berth there. Currently, only smaller-sized feeder vessels are able to call at the port.

"It is [a] substantial project and one that Prima is both excited and honored to be a part of," Prima Marine said in a statement.

Prima Marine has initially purchased two new tankers specifically for deliveries in Gwadar and, along with its existing fleet, the bunker firm is able to supply 180 centistoke (cst) intermediate fuel oil (IFO) and marine gas oil (MGO). Deliveries can be performed at berth and at anchorage.

Furthermore, in a first for the Pakistan market, the company says it will shortly be in a position to supply 380 cSt fuel that "will be competitively priced to attract bunker only calls".

"This forms part of the major expansion plans that the group has set itself over the coming 12-month period," Prima Marine added.

Image: The Port of Gwadar, Pakistan.