AD Ports Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with commodity trading firm IRH Global Trading to explore the development of conventional and alternative marine fuel bunkering services at Khalifa Port in the UAE, according to Ship & Bunker.
The agreement, announced in a press release from AD Ports on Tuesday, covers the potential supply of conventional bunker fuels alongside lower-carbon alternatives, including LNG, biofuels and methanol, Ship & Bunker reports.
Scope of the Partnership
Beyond fuel supply itself, the two companies plan to assess opportunities for building out supporting infrastructure. According to Ship & Bunker, this includes fuel storage facilities, terminal infrastructure, and fuel sampling and testing capabilities at Khalifa Port.
Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO of the Ports Cluster at AD Ports Group, said the collaboration with IRH strengthens the company’s capabilities and supports the development of future-ready infrastructure, positioning the UAE as a leading global trade and logistics hub, Ship & Bunker reports.
The companies stated that the partnership is intended to reinforce Khalifa Port’s standing as a regional maritime hub, combining AD Ports Group’s port infrastructure with IRH’s international commodities trading expertise, according to the report.
Ali Rashed Alrashdi, Group CEO at International Resources Holding, described Khalifa Port as an ideal location from which to explore these opportunities and said the firm looks forward to working with AD Ports Group to advance them, Ship & Bunker reports.
Does This Matter to You?
This MOU signals early-stage exploration rather than a confirmed rollout of new bunkering services, but it points to growing interest in expanding alternative fuel availability at Khalifa Port. Vessel operators and charterers tracking bunkering options across the Middle East may want to monitor how this arrangement develops, particularly given the inclusion of LNG, biofuels and methanol alongside conventional fuels.
The planned assessment of storage, terminal, and fuel testing infrastructure could also be relevant for parties evaluating fuel quality assurance and supply chain reliability in the region. However, as the source material makes clear, this is currently a memorandum of understanding for exploration purposes, and no firm timelines, volumes, or infrastructure commitments have been disclosed.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
