King Abdullah Port represents one of Saudi Arabia’s most advanced maritime facilities, providing comprehensive bunkering service solutions to commercial vessels, container carriers, and offshore support units operating along the Red Sea coast. Located within King Abdullah Economic City approximately 90-120 kilometers north of Jeddah, King Abdullah Port offers bunker fuel delivery through established supply networks that connect to Saudi Arabia’s expanding marine fuel infrastructure. As a strategic bunkering service point in the Red Sea region, King Abdullah Port facilitates fuel procurement for vessels navigating between major maritime hubs and international destinations, serving as a vital bunker supplier for the region’s growing maritime sector.
Gulf-Bunkering provides marine fuel trading solutions at King Abdullah Port, connecting vessel operators with compliant fuel products through our knowledge of Saudi supply networks, regional logistics, and port coordination. Whether you’re managing container vessel operations, bulk carrier schedules, or offshore support services, our team coordinates fuel procurement that aligns with your operational schedule and maintains quality standards across your Red Sea operations.
Port Overview and Bunkering Capabilities
King Abdullah Port operates as a state-of-the-art deep-water facility combining container terminals, bulk cargo handling, roll-on/roll-off capabilities, and passenger vessel services within Saudi Arabia’s expanding maritime infrastructure. The facility provides modern berthing infrastructure designed to accommodate diverse vessel types, from the world’s largest container carriers to cruise ships and general cargo vessels.
Bunkering operations at King Abdullah Port leverage Saudi Arabia’s established marine fuel supply network, with delivery methods tailored to vessel size and operational requirements. The port’s strategic Red Sea location between Yanbu and Jeddah enables efficient coordination of bunker deliveries, supporting vessels on major East-West trade routes connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Primary Bunkering Methods
- Vessel-to-ship delivery: Available at port berths and anchorage positions
- Scheduled fuel supply: Pre-arranged deliveries aligned with vessel arrival and departure times
- Concurrent operations: Bunkering coordinated with cargo operations for efficient turnaround
- Advanced logistics integration: Smart Gate System connectivity streamlining fuel delivery coordination
The port’s sheltered Red Sea location provides protected waters year-round, minimizing weather-related operational disruptions and enabling consistent fuel delivery schedules. Modern infrastructure supports efficient vessel turnaround, allowing bunkering concurrent with cargo handling, crew changes, and maintenance activities.
Vessel Types and Technical Specifications
King Abdullah Port serves a diverse range of vessels reflecting the facility’s multipurpose design and strategic position within global maritime networks:
Accommodated Vessel Categories
- Ultra-large container vessels: Up to 20,000 TEU capacity
- Post-Panamax container carriers: Modern cellular container ships
- Bulk cargo vessels: Clean bulk carriers and specialized cargo ships
- Roll-on/roll-off vessels: Car carriers and vehicle transport ships
- Cruise vessels: Passenger ships and leisure craft
- General cargo vessels: Multipurpose cargo carriers
- Offshore support vessels: Platform supply and service boats
Technical Port Specifications
- Maximum draft: 18 meters at berths, 17 meters channel depth
- Total berth capacity: Over 30 berths across terminals
- Container quay length: 2,170 meters at main container terminal
- Vessel handling: 20 quay cranes and 68 yard cranes at container facility
- Maximum ship size: 20,000 TEU container vessels
- Operations: 24/7 year-round capability with direct highway access
- Port area: 17.4 square kilometers of developed maritime infrastructure
Bunkering Logistics Framework
- Delivery coordination: Integrated with port’s Smart Gate System for streamlined operations
- Advance scheduling: Coordination recommended to align with vessel operations
- Concurrent operations: Fuel delivery coordinated with cargo handling and port services
- Operational efficiency: Reduced vessel waiting times through advanced logistics integration
The port’s modern design enables efficient logistics coordination, supporting vessel operators who require streamlined bunkering integrated with broader port services. The facility’s infrastructure accommodates both scheduled fuel deliveries and arrangements for vessels with tight operational windows.
Marine Fuel Grades and Supply Infrastructure
King Abdullah Port’s fuel supply leverages Saudi Arabia’s position as a major global energy producer, providing access to compliant marine fuel products across common specifications:
Available Marine Fuel Products
- Marine Gas Oil (MGO): ISO 8217 DMA/DMB grades for main engines and auxiliaries
- 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
- Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO): 0.10% sulphur maximum for emission-sensitive operations
- Marine lubricating oils: Cylinder oils and system lubricants across major brands
- Marine greases: Specialized lubricants for deck machinery and equipment
Supply Network Characteristics
- Regional connectivity: Access to Saudi Arabia’s established fuel distribution infrastructure
- Red Sea supply network: Regional storage and distribution capabilities
- Quality verification: Testing available through regional laboratories
- Delivery coordination: Scheduled through established bunkering operations at the port
- Strategic partnerships: Port collaboration with marine fuel supply networks
Quality and Measurement Standards
All marine fuels meet ISO 8217 specifications with verified sulphur content, density, viscosity, and flash point parameters. Supply operations at King Abdullah Port maintain quality assurance protocols aligned with international maritime fuel standards.
Fuel procurement at King Abdullah Port benefits from Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure and the port’s position on major shipping routes. Vessels can coordinate fuel delivery that balances operational requirements with cost efficiency, leveraging regional supply capabilities.
Regional Maritime Context and Connectivity
King Abdullah Port’s position within the Red Sea maritime network provides connectivity to key regional and international shipping routes:
Regional Trade Routes
- Red Sea corridors: Direct access to Suez Canal-bound traffic and regional ports
- East-West transshipment: Gateway connections between Asia, Africa, and Europe
- Arabian Gulf networks: Connections to major Gulf ports and regional terminals
- Mediterranean routes: Access through Red Sea to European destinations
- Indian Ocean connections: Long-haul routes to Asian and East African ports
Strategic Geographic Position
- Approximately 90-120 kilometers north of Jeddah on Red Sea coast
- Direct access to major Red Sea shipping lanes
- Proximity to Rabigh and Yanbu industrial cities
- Connected to Saudi Landbridge rail and road network
- Gateway position between three continents
Emission Control Area Considerations
King Abdullah 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 facility 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 King Abdullah Port before continuing to European, North American, or other regulated zones. This strategic positioning supports efficient fuel planning across different regulatory jurisdictions.
The port’s role within Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030 makes it particularly valuable for commercial vessels requiring reliable fuel supply on major trade routes while maintaining access to quality fuel delivery infrastructure.
Operational Considerations
King Abdullah Port benefits from the Red Sea’s generally favorable maritime conditions, with the facility’s modern harbor design providing efficient operational capability. The location experiences stable conditions throughout most of the year, enabling consistent operational performance.
Year-Round Capability
- Continuous operations: 24/7 operational capability throughout the year
- Weather stability: Red Sea location provides generally favorable conditions
- No seasonal closures: Year-round accessibility for bunkering operations
- Modern infrastructure: Advanced facilities supporting consistent service delivery
Operational Efficiency Features
- Smart Gate System: Integrated digital logistics for streamlined operations
- Reduced waiting times: Advanced coordination minimizing vessel delays
- Automated systems: Modern cargo handling supporting efficient turnaround
- Highway connectivity: Direct access to major transportation networks
The port’s modern infrastructure includes advanced handling systems and digital integration that support safe and efficient operations year-round, enabling reliable bunkering coordination for diverse vessel types and operational profiles.
Gulf-Bunkering coordinates marine fuel trading at King Abdullah 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 Red Sea region, providing reliable supply solutions for diverse vessel types and operational profiles.
For marine fuel trading coordination at King Abdullah Port, contact Gulf-Bunkering at contact@gulf-bunkering.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Bunkering at King Abdullah Port
What types of marine fuel are available at King Abdullah Port?
King Abdullah 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 Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO) at 0.10% sulphur for vessels preparing for ECA-regulated waters. All fuels meet ISO 8217 specifications with verified quality parameters. Marine lubricating oils and specialized greases are also available through regional suppliers.
What vessel types can be accommodated at King Abdullah Port?
King Abdullah Port accommodates a diverse range of vessels including ultra-large container vessels up to 20,000 TEU capacity, Post-Panamax container carriers, bulk cargo vessels, roll-on/roll-off car carriers, cruise ships, general cargo vessels, and offshore support vessels. The facility offers berths with 18-meter depth and over 30 berths across multiple terminals, with 24/7 operational capability.
Is King Abdullah Port located within an Emission Control Area?
No, King Abdullah 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 facility 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.
Can bunkering operations be conducted year-round at King Abdullah Port?
Yes, King Abdullah Port maintains continuous operational capability throughout the entire year with 24/7 operations and no seasonal closures or restricted operational windows. The facility’s Red Sea location provides generally favorable maritime conditions that minimize weather-related disruptions, enabling consistent bunkering service delivery across all seasons.
What makes King Abdullah Port strategically important for bunkering operations?
King Abdullah Port’s strategic Red Sea location positions it on one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes, serving as a gateway between Asia, Africa, and Europe. The port’s advanced infrastructure, including Smart Gate System integration and modern handling facilities, reduces vessel waiting times and enhances operational efficiency. Its connectivity to the Saudi Landbridge rail and road network, combined with Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure, makes it a competitive hub for marine fuel logistics on major international shipping routes.
How does King Abdullah Port support efficient vessel turnaround?
King Abdullah Port supports efficient vessel turnaround through its Smart Gate System integrated with digital logistics platforms, enabling streamlined coordination of bunkering and cargo operations. The port’s modern infrastructure includes 20 quay cranes, 68 yard cranes, and automated handling systems that allow bunkering to be conducted concurrently with cargo operations, crew changes, and other vessel services. This integrated approach reduces overall vessel waiting times and enhances operational value.