Khalifa Port stands as Abu Dhabi’s flagship deepwater facility and a leading bunker fuel hub in the United Arab Emirates, providing comprehensive bunkering services to commercial vessels, container ships, and offshore operators navigating the Arabian Gulf. Located on an artificial island connected to the mainland, Khalifa Port offers bunker supplier networks that deliver both conventional marine fuels and cutting-edge alternative fuel solutions including LNG bunkering. As a strategic bunkering service point in the UAE, Khalifa Port combines world-class port infrastructure with advanced fuel delivery capabilities that support vessels operating across regional and international trade routes.
Gulf-Bunkering provides marine fuel trading solutions at Khalifa Port, connecting vessel operators with compliant fuel products through our knowledge of UAE supply networks, regional logistics, and port coordination. Whether you’re managing container operations, bulk carriers, or offshore support services, our team coordinates fuel procurement that aligns with your operational schedule and maintains quality standards across your Abu Dhabi operations.
Port Overview and Bunkering Capabilities
Khalifa Port operates as Abu Dhabi’s primary container and cargo facility, handling all of the emirate’s container traffic since December 2012. The port features exceptional infrastructure including a 7.4 km quay for 22 container berths, a 12.6 km quay for 63 general cargo and roll-on/roll-off berths, and a 2.4 km quay for six dry bulk berths. Dredged to depths of 16-18.5 meters, the facility accommodates the world’s largest container and cargo vessels.
Bunkering operations at Khalifa Port leverage the UAE’s established position as a regional refining center, with delivery methods tailored to vessel size and operational requirements. The port’s advanced infrastructure and strategic location enable efficient coordination of bunker deliveries through multiple delivery systems.
Primary Bunkering Methods
- Truck-to-ship delivery: Fast, flexible delivery for vessels at berth with road access
- Barge-to-ship transfer: Direct offshore fueling for larger vessels and extended operations
- Ship-to-ship LNG bunkering: Advanced LNG transfer operations using dedicated bunker vessels
- Pre-arranged fuel supply: Scheduled deliveries aligned with vessel arrival and cargo operations
The port’s sheltered location and modern infrastructure support year-round bunkering operations with minimal weather-related disruptions. Khalifa Port’s design enables concurrent bunkering during cargo handling operations, allowing efficient vessel turnaround and optimized scheduling.
Marine Fuel Products and Alternative Fuel Solutions
Khalifa Port provides access to a comprehensive range of marine fuel grades that meet international specifications and support diverse vessel requirements:
Available Marine Fuel Products
- Marine Gas Oil (MGO): ISO 8217 DMA/DMB grades for main engines and auxiliary systems
- Marine Diesel Oil (MDO): ISO 8217 DMZ/DMX grades for medium-speed applications
- Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO): 0.50% sulphur maximum, globally compliant fuel oil
- High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO): Available for vessels operating outside ECA zones
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Ship-to-ship bunkering via dedicated LNG bunker vessels
- E-methanol: Emerging sustainable fuel infrastructure under development
- Marine lubricating oils: Cylinder oils and system lubricants across major brands
- Marine greases: Specialized lubricants for deck machinery and equipment
LNG Bunkering Capabilities
Khalifa Port has pioneered LNG bunkering in the UAE, completing its first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation with the LNG bunker vessel Green Zeebrugge, which features a 5,100 m³ capacity. This advanced capability positions Khalifa Port at the forefront of sustainable marine fuel solutions in the region, supporting vessels transitioning to cleaner fuel alternatives.
The port’s LNG bunkering infrastructure enables simultaneous cargo handling and fuel transfer operations, maximizing operational efficiency for container vessels and other commercial ships requiring LNG fuel.
Quality Assurance Framework
All marine fuels supplied at Khalifa Port meet ISO 8217 specifications with verified parameters including sulphur content, density, viscosity, and flash point. Suppliers operating at the port maintain quality assurance protocols aligned with international maritime fuel standards, ensuring consistent fuel quality across all deliveries.
Bunker Fuel Suppliers and Delivery Infrastructure
Khalifa Port’s bunkering services are supported by established marine fuel suppliers with regional expertise and comprehensive delivery capabilities:
Active Marine Fuel Suppliers
- Monjasa: Pioneering LNG bunkering operations with dedicated bunker vessels
- ABM Fuels: Comprehensive bunker solutions across conventional fuel grades
- Dan-Bunkering: Global bunker supplier with UAE regional presence
- Alliance Fuel: Marine fuel delivery services tailored to client requirements
Delivery Specifications
- Minimum fuel delivery: Typically 10-50 metric tons depending on supplier and vessel requirements
- Delivery rate: 20-50 metric tons per hour via truck, higher rates via barge and ship-to-ship transfer
- LNG transfer capacity: Up to 5,100 m³ via dedicated LNG bunker vessels
- Advance scheduling: 24-48 hours notice recommended for optimal coordination
- Concurrent operations: Fuel delivery coordinated with cargo handling and other vessel services
The port’s supplier network provides flexible delivery scheduling that accommodates tight operational windows and supports vessels requiring expedited fuel arrangements. Bunkering operations can be conducted efficiently alongside container operations, general cargo handling, and vessel maintenance activities.
Port Infrastructure and Vessel Accommodation
Khalifa Port’s world-class infrastructure supports diverse vessel types and operational requirements across commercial shipping sectors:
Technical Port Specifications
- Maximum draft: 16-18.5 meters at main berths
- Container capacity: Currently handling nearly 10 million TEUs, expanding toward 15 million TEUs by 2030
- General cargo capacity: 12 million tonnes annually, planned expansion to 35 million tonnes
- Total quay length: Over 22 kilometers across container, general cargo, and bulk berths
- Berth availability: 91 total berths including specialized container, Ro-Ro, and bulk facilities
- Vessel handling: Advanced mooring systems, automated cranes, and shore-power capabilities
Accommodated Vessel Categories
- Ultra-large container vessels: Post-Panamax and New Panamax container ships
- General cargo vessels: Multipurpose cargo ships and project cargo carriers
- Bulk carriers: Dry bulk vessels utilizing dedicated bulk berths
- Roll-on/Roll-off vessels: Car carriers and Ro-Ro cargo ships
- Offshore support vessels: Platform supply and crew transfer vessels
- Tankers: Petroleum and chemical tankers at specialized terminals
Advanced Terminal Facilities
Khalifa Port features state-of-the-art terminal infrastructure including CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, equipped with eight advanced Ship-to-Shore cranes, 20 Electric Rubber Tyred Gantry cranes, automated gates, and integrated systems. The terminal incorporates shore-power capabilities to reduce vessel emissions during berthing, supporting sustainable port operations.
Semi-automated operations include automated stacking cranes, shuttle carriers, and Super Post Panamax quay cranes with 44-meter lifting heights, enabling rapid container movement and reduced turnaround times.
Strategic Position and Maritime Connectivity
Khalifa Port’s location within the UAE’s maritime network provides connectivity to major regional and international shipping routes:
Regional Trade Routes
- Arabian Gulf networks: Direct connections to major Gulf ports and regional terminals
- Indian Ocean routes: Gateway to Indian Subcontinent and East African destinations
- Red Sea corridors: Access routes through Bab el-Mandeb strait toward Suez Canal
- Southeast Asian connections: Long-haul routes to Singapore, Malaysia, and Far East ports
- European trade lanes: Container services connecting to Mediterranean and Northern European ports
Geographic Advantages
- Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD): Adjacent 100+ sq km industrial zone hosting manufacturing, logistics, and high-tech businesses
- Petroleum storage terminal: 600,000 cbm capacity supporting fuel supply infrastructure
- Airport connectivity: Proximity to Abu Dhabi International Airport and regional aviation hubs
- Regional refining access: Connection to UAE’s established refining and fuel distribution network
Emission Control Area Considerations
Khalifa Port operates outside designated Emission Control Areas, allowing vessels to use 0.50% sulphur fuel oil in compliance with global MARPOL Annex VI requirements. The port serves as a strategic refueling point for vessels preparing for voyages to ECA-regulated waters, where operators can take on compliant 0.10% sulphur grades or LNG fuel before continuing to European, North American, or other regulated zones.
This positioning supports efficient fuel planning across different regulatory jurisdictions while leveraging the UAE’s competitive fuel pricing and advanced alternative fuel capabilities.
Operational Conditions and Year-Round Capability
Khalifa Port maintains consistent operational capability throughout the year, supported by the Arabian Gulf’s generally favorable maritime conditions and the port’s advanced infrastructure design:
Year-Round Operations
- No seasonal closures: Continuous bunkering operations across all months
- Protected waters: Artificial breakwater design minimizes weather-related disruptions
- Modern infrastructure: Climate-controlled facilities and advanced handling systems
- Concurrent operations: Bunkering coordinated with cargo handling and vessel services
Operational Considerations
The port’s location experiences minimal swell impact throughout most of the year, enabling consistent fuel delivery schedules. Summer operations benefit from the port’s modern infrastructure including shaded working areas and efficient logistics coordination that support safe operations during elevated temperatures.
Advanced navigation aids, automated systems, and comprehensive port management maintain safe and efficient operations across all weather conditions, ensuring reliable fuel supply for vessels on tight schedules.
Sustainability and Future Fuel Development
Khalifa Port demonstrates leadership in sustainable maritime operations through its commitment to alternative fuel infrastructure and green port initiatives:
Sustainable Fuel Initiatives
- LNG bunkering infrastructure: Operational ship-to-ship LNG transfer capabilities
- E-methanol development: Infrastructure planning for emerging sustainable fuels
- Shore-power facilities: Vessel emission reduction during berthing operations
- Renewable energy integration: Solar panels and energy-efficient terminal operations
AD Ports Group, which operates Khalifa Port, actively expands LNG bunkering capabilities to support sustainable shipping and decarbonization goals across the region. This commitment positions Khalifa Port as a forward-looking fuel hub that supports the maritime industry’s transition toward cleaner energy sources.
The port’s sustainability features complement its operational efficiency, providing vessel operators with access to both conventional and alternative fuel options that align with evolving environmental regulations and corporate sustainability objectives.
Gulf-Bunkering coordinates marine fuel trading at Khalifa Port through established regional supplier networks, ensuring vessels receive compliant marine fuels with competitive pricing and delivery coordination that supports your operational requirements. Our trading expertise helps optimize fuel procurement across the UAE region, providing reliable supply solutions for diverse vessel types and operational profiles.
For marine fuel trading coordination at Khalifa Port, contact Gulf-Bunkering at contact@gulf-bunkering.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Bunkering at Khalifa Port
What types of marine fuel are available at Khalifa Port?
Khalifa Port provides access to all major marine fuel grades including Marine Gas Oil (MGO), Marine Diesel Oil (MDO), Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) at 0.50% sulphur, and High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO). The port also offers advanced LNG bunkering through ship-to-ship transfer operations using dedicated LNG bunker vessels with 5,100 m³ capacity. E-methanol infrastructure is under development to support emerging sustainable fuel requirements. All fuels meet ISO 8217 specifications with verified quality parameters.
How much advance notice is required for fuel delivery at Khalifa Port?
It’s recommended to provide 24-48 hours advance notice for optimal coordination of bunker deliveries at Khalifa Port. This scheduling window allows suppliers to arrange truck-to-ship, barge-to-ship, or ship-to-ship delivery methods and coordinate with your vessel’s arrival time and cargo operations. The port’s infrastructure supports concurrent bunkering during cargo handling, and expedited arrangements can be made for vessels with urgent requirements.
What is the minimum fuel delivery quantity at Khalifa Port?
Minimum fuel delivery typically ranges from 10-50 metric tons depending on the specific supplier and vessel requirements. Delivery rates vary by method, with truck-to-ship transfers averaging 20-50 metric tons per hour and barge-to-ship operations offering higher rates for larger fuel quantities. LNG bunkering operations utilize dedicated bunker vessels with significantly larger transfer capacities.
Does Khalifa Port offer LNG bunkering services?
Yes, Khalifa Port has pioneered LNG bunkering in the UAE and successfully completed ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operations. The port utilizes dedicated LNG bunker vessels such as the Green Zeebrugge with 5,100 m³ capacity, enabling efficient LNG fuel transfer concurrent with cargo handling operations. This positions Khalifa Port as a leading facility for vessels transitioning to LNG fuel and supports the region’s sustainable shipping initiatives.
Is Khalifa Port located within an Emission Control Area?
No, Khalifa Port operates outside designated Emission Control Areas, allowing vessels to use 0.50% sulphur fuel oil in compliance with global MARPOL Annex VI requirements. However, the port serves as an excellent refueling point for vessels preparing for voyages to ECA-regulated waters, where they can take on compliant 0.10% sulphur grades or LNG fuel before departure to European, North American, or other regulated zones.
What vessel types can be accommodated at Khalifa Port?
Khalifa Port accommodates the world’s largest container and cargo vessels with drafts up to 16-18.5 meters. The facility serves ultra-large container vessels, general cargo ships, bulk carriers, roll-on/roll-off vessels, tankers, and offshore support vessels. With 91 total berths across specialized terminals, the port handles diverse commercial shipping operations including container traffic, project cargo, dry bulk, and petroleum products.
Can bunkering operations be conducted year-round at Khalifa Port?
Yes, Khalifa Port maintains consistent operational capability throughout the entire year with no seasonal closures or restricted operational windows. The port’s artificial breakwater design and sheltered location provide protected waters that minimize weather-related disruptions. Modern infrastructure including climate-controlled facilities and advanced handling systems support safe and efficient bunkering operations across all weather conditions.
What bunkering delivery methods are available at Khalifa Port?
Khalifa Port offers comprehensive delivery methods including truck-to-ship delivery for fast, flexible fueling at berth, barge-to-ship transfer for direct offshore fueling of larger vessels, and advanced ship-to-ship LNG bunkering using dedicated bunker vessels. Fuel deliveries can be scheduled to align with vessel arrival and cargo operations, and bunkering can be conducted concurrently with container handling, general cargo operations, and other vessel services for efficient turnaround.