The Port of Duqm stands as one of Oman’s most strategically positioned maritime facilities, offering comprehensive bunker fuel supply and bunkering service to commercial vessels, tankers, and offshore operators navigating the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean shipping lanes [1]. Located midway along Oman’s coastline, Port of Duqm provides bunker supplier infrastructure designed to serve the growing demand for marine fuel in a region connecting Middle Eastern, Asian, and African trade routes. With modern bunker fuel terminals, deep-water berths, and expanding infrastructure, Duqm has positioned itself as a reliable bunkering service hub for vessels requiring efficient fuel supply outside the congested traffic of traditional Gulf ports.
Gulf-Bunkering provides marine fuel trading solutions at Port of Duqm, connecting vessel operators with compliant fuel products through our understanding of Oman’s supply networks, regional logistics, and port coordination. Whether you’re managing container operations, bulk carrier schedules, or offshore support services, our team coordinates fuel procurement that aligns with your operational timeline and maintains quality standards across your Duqm port calls.
Marine Fuel Products and Bunkering Infrastructure
Port of Duqm’s bunker fuel supply capabilities are anchored by a modern terminal featuring 30,000 cubic meters of storage capacity [1]. This infrastructure supports the full range of marine fuel grades required by today’s diverse vessel fleet, from heavy fuel oils to low-sulphur alternatives meeting current IMO regulations.
Available Fuel Grades
The port provides access to all major marine fuel specifications:
- Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) – 0.50% sulphur maximum, globally compliant for vessels operating under MARPOL Annex VI
- High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) – For vessels equipped with scrubber technology
- Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO) – 0.10% sulphur maximum for ECA preparation
- 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
- Marine lubricating oils – Cylinder oils and system lubricants across major brands
- Biofuels and alternative fuels – Subject to availability and advance coordination
All fuel products meet ISO 8217 specifications with verified quality parameters. The port’s proximity to the Duqm refinery, which processes 230,000 barrels per day, creates a robust supply ecosystem that minimizes fuel availability risks [1].
Quality Assurance and Supply Network
Duqm’s bunker terminal operates with modern quality control systems. Third-party testing is available through regional laboratories, and fuel samples are retained according to international maritime standards. The terminal’s connection to the Ras Markaz storage facility—with six million barrels of current capacity and plans for 19 million barrels of future expansion—ensures consistent fuel availability even during periods of high regional demand [1].
The port’s infrastructure is being developed with future fuel requirements in mind. Facilities are being designed to accommodate renewable fuel dispensing and low-carbon alternatives, positioning Duqm as a forward-looking bunkering hub aligned with the maritime industry’s decarbonization trajectory [1].
Bunkering Operations and Delivery Methods
Port of Duqm offers flexible fuel delivery systems tailored to vessel size, fuel quantity, and operational schedules. The port’s sheltered location and deep-water access enable efficient bunkering operations year-round.
Delivery Systems
- Barge-to-ship transfer – Primary method for larger fuel quantities; the MT Alpha bunker barge handles up to 10,000 metric tonnes with pumping rates reaching 1,000 m³/hour [1]
- Ship-to-ship transfer – Available for specialized operations and larger vessels
- Concurrent operations – Bunkering can be coordinated alongside cargo operations, crew changes, and vessel maintenance
Logistics and Scheduling
Minimum fuel quantities typically start at 50-100 metric tons, though this varies based on specific supplier arrangements and vessel requirements. Delivery rates depend on the method used—barge operations can achieve 800-1,000 m³/hour, while smaller deliveries may proceed at 200-400 m³/hour.
It’s recommended to provide 48-72 hours advance notice for optimal coordination, though the port’s growing bunker supplier network can accommodate expedited arrangements for vessels with tight schedules. The terminal operates 24/7, allowing fuel delivery coordination that fits your voyage planning rather than forcing you to adjust to limited service windows.
Port Infrastructure and Vessel Accommodation
Port of Duqm’s physical capabilities make it suitable for a wide range of vessel types, from mid-sized general cargo ships to ultra-large container vessels and major bulk carriers.
Technical Specifications
- Commercial quay length – 2,200 meters with total quay infrastructure extending approximately 7,200 linear meters [1]
- Navigational channel – 14 miles long, 400 meters wide, maintained at 18-20 meter depths [1]
- Maximum draft – Up to 18 meters at berths, with channel depths supporting vessels drawing up to 50 meters [1]
- Breakwater protection – Main breakwater extends 4.1 kilometers; secondary breakwater adds 4.6 kilometers of protection [1]
- Total port area – 188 square kilometers including industrial zones, terminals, and logistics facilities [1]
Vessel Categories Accommodated
The port handles diverse vessel types:
- Container ships – Including ultra-large container vessels; annual capacity of 3.5 million TEU [1]
- Bulk carriers – Dry bulk terminal capacity of approximately 5 million tonnes annually [1]
- Tankers – Oil, chemical, and LNG carriers
- General cargo vessels – Multi-use terminal with 800,000 tonnes annual capacity [1]
- Ro-Ro ships – Capacity for 200,000 cars per annum [1]
- Offshore support vessels – Platform supply and crew transfer boats
- Gas carriers – LNG and LPG vessels
- Fishing vessels – Commercial fishing fleet support
The port’s recent $550 million expansion enhanced berthing capacity, yard infrastructure, and deep-sea access, enabling more efficient handling of large vessels and heavy industrial shipments [1].
Strategic Position and Maritime Connectivity
Duqm’s location along Oman’s central coast provides unique advantages for vessels navigating between the Arabian Gulf, Indian Ocean, and East African routes. Unlike ports located deep within the Gulf, Duqm offers direct ocean access without the need to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
Regional Shipping Routes
- Arabian Gulf connections – Links to major Gulf ports while avoiding congested waterways
- Indian Ocean routes – Direct access to Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asian destinations
- East African corridors – Gateway to African ports and Suez Canal routes
- Asia-Europe trade lanes – Alternative bunkering point for vessels on major container routes
- Middle East energy exports – Support for tanker traffic carrying crude oil and refined products
Geographic Advantages
The port sits approximately 550 kilometers south of Muscat, positioning it as a mid-route bunkering option for vessels that would otherwise need to deviate significantly to reach traditional Gulf fuel stops. This location can reduce voyage time and fuel consumption for ships whose routes align with Duqm’s position.
Duqm is connected to Oman’s road network and sits within the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, which includes petrochemical facilities, refineries, and industrial developments. This integration creates a comprehensive maritime services ecosystem beyond just fuel supply.
Emission Control Area Considerations
Port of Duqm 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 a practical refueling point for vessels preparing for voyages to ECA-regulated waters.
Vessels can optimize fuel procurement by taking on ECA-compliant low-sulphur grades (0.10%) at Duqm before continuing to European, North American, or other regulated zones. This strategic positioning supports efficient fuel planning across different regulatory jurisdictions while leveraging competitive regional fuel pricing.
Operational Conditions and Year-Round Capability
Duqm benefits from Oman’s generally favorable maritime climate. The port’s sheltered design and breakwater protection minimize weather-related operational disruptions throughout the year.
Year-Round Operations
The port maintains consistent operational capability with no seasonal closures or restricted operational windows. The Arabian Sea’s weather patterns are most stable from October through April, though modern port infrastructure and vessel handling systems support safe operations year-round.
Summer months (May through September) bring higher temperatures and occasional strong winds, but these rarely impact bunkering operations. The port’s protected harbor design shields berthed vessels from offshore swell, maintaining safe working conditions even during periods of elevated sea states outside the breakwaters.
Practical Considerations
- Visibility – Generally excellent year-round; occasional morning fog during winter months typically clears by mid-morning
- Heat management – Summer temperatures require attention to fuel viscosity management and deck safety during bunkering operations
- Optimal timing – Early morning or evening operations during summer months may offer improved working conditions
- Tidal range – Minimal tidal variation simplifies berthing and bunkering logistics
The port’s modern navigation aids and vessel traffic management systems maintain safe operations during any reduced visibility periods. Duqm’s infrastructure includes climate-controlled facilities and shaded working areas that help mitigate heat impact during peak summer months.
Future Development and Alternative Fuels
Duqm is positioning itself as a forward-looking bunkering hub aligned with the maritime industry’s energy transition. Infrastructure developments include readiness for renewable fuel dispensing and plans to establish low-carbon fuel bunkering capabilities [1].
The port’s connection to Oman’s expanding refining and petrochemical sector, combined with government support for green fuel initiatives under Oman’s Vision 2040, suggests Duqm will play an increasing role in alternative fuel supply as the maritime industry moves toward decarbonization.
Gulf-Bunkering coordinates marine fuel trading at Port of Duqm 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 Oman region, providing reliable supply solutions for diverse vessel types and operational profiles.
For marine fuel trading coordination at Port of Duqm, contact Gulf-Bunkering at contact@gulf-bunkering.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Bunkering at Port of Duqm
What types of marine fuel are available at Port of Duqm?
Port of Duqm provides access to all major marine fuel grades including Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) at 0.50% sulphur, High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) for scrubber-equipped vessels, Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO) at 0.10% sulphur, Marine Gas Oil (MGO), and Marine Diesel Oil (MDO). All fuels meet ISO 8217 specifications with verified quality parameters. Marine lubricating oils and specialized greases are also available through regional suppliers.
How much advance notice is required for fuel delivery at Duqm?
It’s recommended to provide 48-72 hours advance notice for optimal coordination of bunker deliveries at Port of Duqm. This scheduling window allows suppliers to arrange barge-to-ship or ship-to-ship delivery methods and coordinate with your vessel’s arrival time and other port services. The port’s growing bunker supplier network can accommodate expedited arrangements for vessels with urgent requirements.
What is the minimum fuel delivery quantity at Port of Duqm?
Minimum fuel delivery typically ranges from 50-100 metric tons depending on the specific supplier and vessel requirements. Delivery rates vary by method, with barge-to-ship transfers capable of 800-1,000 m³/hour for larger fuel quantities. Smaller deliveries may proceed at 200-400 m³/hour.
Is Port of Duqm located within an Emission Control Area?
No, Port of Duqm 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 in Europe, North America, or other regulated zones, where they can take on compliant 0.10% sulphur grades before departure.
What vessel types can be accommodated at Port of Duqm?
Port of Duqm accommodates a diverse range of vessels including ultra-large container ships, bulk carriers, tankers (oil, chemical, and LNG), general cargo vessels, Ro-Ro ships, offshore support vessels, gas carriers, and fishing vessels. The port features maximum drafts up to 18 meters at berths with channel depths supporting vessels drawing up to 50 meters, and commercial quay length of 2,200 meters.
Can bunkering operations be conducted year-round at Port of Duqm?
Yes, Port of Duqm maintains consistent operational capability throughout the entire year with no seasonal closures or restricted operational windows. The port’s sheltered design and breakwater protection minimize weather-related disruptions. While summer months bring higher temperatures requiring heat management considerations, the port’s modern infrastructure supports safe year-round bunkering operations.
What bunkering delivery methods are available at Port of Duqm?
Port of Duqm offers barge-to-ship transfer as the primary delivery method for larger fuel quantities, with specialized barges capable of handling up to 10,000 metric tonnes at pumping rates reaching 1,000 m³/hour. Ship-to-ship transfer is available for specialized operations. Bunkering operations can be conducted concurrently with cargo operations, crew changes, and vessel maintenance for efficient turnaround.
What makes Port of Duqm strategically positioned for bunkering?
Port of Duqm’s location along Oman’s central coast provides direct ocean access without requiring transit through the Strait of Hormuz, making it an efficient bunkering point for vessels navigating between the Arabian Gulf, Indian Ocean, and East African routes. The port sits approximately 550 kilometers south of Muscat, serving as a mid-route fuel stop that can reduce voyage time and fuel consumption for ships whose routes align with Duqm’s position.