PIBT rejects priority berthing for coal vessels

Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Limited (PIBT) has ruled out granting priority berthing to coal vessels, citing concerns that such a move could disrupt the established "berthing-on-turn" system and jeopardize coal supplies to other power plants connected to the national grid. CEO Sharique A Siddiqui emphasized that the terminal adheres strictly to this system, which is also monitored and implemented by Port Qasim Authority (PQA).

The decision comes after a coal-laden vessel, owned by M/s IMLAK, experienced delays in berthing, leading to a series of technical issues. Initially, the vessel arrived at Port Qasim on July 27, 2026, and tendered its Notice of Readiness (NOR) at 18:28 hours. However, due to a rudder fault, the vessel was denied berthing by PQA for safety reasons.

The vessel eventually repaired the issue and tendered its second NOR on August 25, but developed an anchor-heaving machinery fault and missed its turn, forcing the next vessel to be berthed instead.

Despite further repairs and subsequent NORs, PIBT claimed the vessel had been out of readiness for nearly a month, which was not disclosed by IMLAK to the power company or the coal supplier. The terminal also noted that the power company had not mentioned these technical issues in their communication, instead blaming the delay on port congestion and PIBT's annual maintenance plan. PIBT further pointed out that the power company had failed to disclose that the vessel had missed two berthing opportunities.

The CEO also mentioned that PIBT clients had been informed several months in advance about the terminal's planned maintenance activities. The annual maintenance had already been postponed twice to meet urgent coal-supply needs for its clients. With further delays deemed impossible, PIBT has begun the maintenance work immediately. The terminal stated that its engineering team would work around the clock to complete the maintenance within the stipulated timeframe and resume normal operations.

In response to the request for "priority berthing," PIBT firmly stated that this accommodation was not possible. Granting priority to one vessel could disrupt the carefully planned "berthing-on-turn" system, which is followed by PIBT and monitored by PQA. The CEO emphasized that most of PIBT's clients are power companies, and giving preference to one power plant over another could cause disruption for other generation facilities supplying electricity to the national grid.

PIBT urged the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to consider the factual position and operational constraints faced by the terminal while assessing the issue. The CEO stressed the importance of adhering strictly to the berthing sequence, emphasizing the need for vessels to tender their NORs and be ready for berthing operations.