Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) has recently acquired Aframax tankers, i.e. Mardan & Sargodha, in its fleet in August 2022. Both are registered with an internationally recognized classification society i.e. American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). PNSC, in a statement, refuted the media’s false and baseless allegations about their seaworthiness.

PNSC added that Sargodha was trading successfully to its client’s satisfaction and is currently at berth to discharge her 2nd cargo at the PQA terminal. Moreover, Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) certified on 6th September 2022 that all machinery, including the vessel’s pumping systems, is fit for service.

Dry-docking is a predefined, cyclical and mandatory activity performed as per Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and for renewing the vessel’s classification certificates confirming the ship’s seaworthiness. All seagoing vessels undergo periodic dry-docking irrespective of the date of induction into any fleet.

PNSC, being a strategic organization, considers the publication of such baseless news as irresponsible, tarnishing the image of the national flag carrier (PNSC). PNSC reserves its right to initiate appropriate proceedings in this regard.