King Fahd Industrial Port (Jubail) represents one of the Middle East’s largest and most strategic industrial ports, providing comprehensive bunkering service solutions to commercial vessels, tankers, and offshore support units operating along Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast. Located in Jubail Industrial City, approximately 80 kilometers north of Dammam, King Fahd Industrial Port offers bunker fuel delivery through established bunker supplier networks that connect to Saudi Arabia’s extensive refining and petrochemical infrastructure. As a critical bunkering service point in the Arabian Gulf region, King Fahd Industrial Port facilitates fuel procurement for vessels navigating between major maritime hubs and regional destinations.
Gulf-Bunkering provides marine fuel trading solutions at King Fahd Industrial Port (Jubail), connecting vessel operators with compliant fuel products through our knowledge of Saudi Arabian supply networks, regional logistics, and port coordination. Whether you’re managing tanker 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 Jubail operations.
Port Overview and Bunkering Capabilities
King Fahd Industrial Port (Jubail) operates as one of the world’s largest industrial ports, developed specifically to serve Jubail Industrial City and function as Saudi Arabia’s primary gateway for petrochemical, petroleum, and bulk cargo sectors. The facility provides extensive berthing infrastructure designed to accommodate diverse vessel types, from very large crude carriers to general cargo vessels and offshore support units.
Bunkering operations at King Fahd Industrial Port leverage Saudi Arabia’s position as a major global refining center, with delivery methods coordinated through appointed suppliers serving the port’s 34 berths across five specialized terminals. The port’s proximity to the world’s largest petrochemical complex enables efficient coordination of bunker deliveries aligned with vessel operational requirements.
Primary Bunkering Methods
- Bunker vessel delivery: Available through regional bunkering operators serving Jubail waters
- Scheduled fuel supply: Pre-arranged deliveries aligned with vessel arrival and departure times
- Appointed supplier coordination: Fuel procurement through port-authorized bunker suppliers
The port’s sheltered location along the Arabian Gulf 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 operations, crew changes, and maintenance activities.
Vessel Types and Technical Specifications
King Fahd Industrial Port (Jubail) serves a diverse range of vessels reflecting the facility’s role as Saudi Arabia’s primary industrial port and petrochemical export hub:
Accommodated Vessel Categories
- Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs): Up to 360,000 DWT capacity
- Product tankers: Chemical carriers and refined petroleum transporters
- Bulk carriers: Dry bulk vessels handling industrial raw materials
- Container vessels: General cargo and containerized freight
- Offshore support vessels: Platform supply and crew transfer boats
- LPG carriers: Liquefied petroleum gas transporters (daylight loading only)
- General cargo vessels: Multi-purpose and project cargo ships
Technical Port Specifications
- Number of berths: 34 across five specialized terminals
- Maximum draft: 24 meters at deep-water berths
- Annual cargo capacity: 70 million tons
- Container capacity: 1 million TEUs annually
- Operational hours: 24/7, 365 days a year
- Pilotage: Required for vessels over 150 GRT
- Vessel handling: Full towage services including Voith Schneider tugs
Bunkering Logistics Framework
- Fuel delivery: Available by appointment through authorized suppliers
- Advance scheduling: Coordination recommended for optimal delivery timing
- Concurrent operations: Fuel delivery can be coordinated with cargo operations
- Marine services: Fresh water, pilotage, and towage available alongside bunkering
The port’s comprehensive infrastructure enables efficient logistics coordination, supporting vessel operators who require streamlined bunkering integrated with broader port services. The facility’s five specialized terminals accommodate both scheduled fuel deliveries and coordinated arrangements for vessels with tight operational windows.
Marine Fuel Grades and Supply Infrastructure
King Fahd Industrial Port’s fuel supply leverages Saudi Arabia’s position as a major global refining center, 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
- Intermediate Fuel Oil 380 (IFO 380): Standard residual fuel for commercial operations
- 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 ECA preparation
- 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: Direct access to Saudi Arabia’s extensive refining infrastructure
- Local suppliers: Saudi Arabia Bunkering Services (SABS) operates bunker vessel MT Dia serving Jubail
- Appointed suppliers: Port-authorized bunker fuel providers coordinate deliveries
- Quality verification: Third-party testing available through regional laboratories
- Delivery coordination: Scheduled through established bunkering operators serving the Arabian Gulf
Quality and Measurement Standards
All marine fuels meet ISO 8217 specifications with verified sulphur content, density, viscosity, and flash point parameters. Suppliers operating at King Fahd Industrial Port maintain quality assurance protocols aligned with international maritime fuel standards.
Fuel procurement at King Fahd Industrial Port benefits from Saudi Arabia’s competitive supply environment and proximity to major refining facilities. Vessels can coordinate fuel delivery that balances operational requirements with cost efficiency, leveraging regional market dynamics.
Regional Maritime Context and Connectivity
King Fahd Industrial Port’s position within Saudi Arabia’s maritime network provides connectivity to key regional and international shipping routes:
Regional Trade Routes
- Arabian Gulf networks: Connections to major Gulf ports including Ras Tanura, Dammam, and regional terminals
- GCC feeder services: Regional cargo and petroleum services throughout Gulf Cooperation Council nations
- Indian Ocean routes: Gateway connections 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
Strategic Geographic Position
- Located in Jubail Industrial City, 80 kilometers north of Dammam
- Direct access to Arabian Gulf shipping lanes
- Coordinates: 27°01′N 49°40′E
- Connected to Riyadh via direct transportation links
- Gateway position for world’s largest petrochemical complex
Emission Control Area Considerations
King Fahd Industrial 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 Fahd Industrial Port before continuing to European, North American, or other regulated zones. This strategic positioning supports efficient fuel planning across different regulatory jurisdictions while leveraging Saudi Arabia’s competitive fuel pricing.
The port’s role as Saudi Arabia’s primary industrial port makes it particularly valuable for tankers, bulk carriers, and commercial vessels requiring reliable fuel supply within a high-capacity port environment while maintaining access to quality fuel and comprehensive marine services.
Port Terminals and Facilities
King Fahd Industrial Port is divided into five main specialized terminals, each designed to handle specific cargo types and vessel requirements:
General Cargo Terminal
Handles containerized freight, Ro-Ro operations, and general cargo shipments with modern handling equipment and storage facilities.
Marine Equipment Terminal
Supports marine and port operations with specialized equipment, maintenance facilities, and operational support infrastructure.
Bulk Cargo Terminal
Dedicated to dry bulk handling including sulfur, iron ore, and industrial raw materials with specialized loading and discharge systems.
Petrochemical and Petroleum Products Terminal
Handles refined petroleum products, petrochemicals, chemical fertilizers, and specialized industrial outputs including butane, propylene, ethylene, and phenol chloride.
Open Sea Tanker Terminal
Accommodates very large crude carriers and petroleum product tankers with deep-water berths and specialized mooring systems.
Marine Services and Support
King Fahd Industrial Port provides comprehensive marine services supporting efficient vessel operations:
Navigation and Vessel Traffic
- Full pilotage services for vessels over 150 GRT
- Vessel traffic management systems
- Radar and marine communication systems
- Buoy installation and maintenance
Vessel Support Services
- Towage services including Voith Schneider tugs
- Fresh water supply at berths
- Marine rescue capabilities
- Ship repair facilities (up to 500 tons)
- Diving and underwater works
- Pollution and spill control
Operational Support
- Customs clearance services
- Warehousing facilities
- Weighbridge services
- 24/7 operational capability
The port’s comprehensive service infrastructure ensures vessels receive coordinated support across all operational requirements, from arrival through departure.
Operational Considerations
King Fahd Industrial Port benefits from the Arabian Gulf’s generally favorable maritime conditions, with the facility’s infrastructure designed to support year-round operations. The location experiences minimal swell impact throughout most of the year, enabling consistent operational capability.
Pilotage Requirements
Pilotage is mandatory for vessels over 150 GRT calling at King Fahd Industrial Port. Harbor pilots provide essential local knowledge of port approaches, berth configurations, and operational procedures, ensuring safe navigation and efficient berthing operations.
Employing harbor pilots reduces operational risks, ensures regulatory compliance, and streamlines coordination with towage services, linesmen, and port authorities. Pilotage services are coordinated through National Port Services Co. Ltd., which manages marine services at the port.
Year-Round Operations
King Fahd Industrial Port maintains 24/7 operational capability throughout the entire year with no seasonal closures or restricted operational windows. The facility’s infrastructure and protected location support consistent bunkering operations regardless of season.
Heat Management Considerations
Summer operations along the Arabian Gulf require attention to:
- Fuel viscosity management: Elevated ambient temperatures affecting fuel handling
- Deck safety: Heat precautions for crew during bunkering operations
- Equipment cooling: Adequate ventilation and cooling for bunkering equipment
- Timing optimization: Coordination with port operations for efficient fuel delivery
The port’s modern infrastructure and experienced marine services teams help mitigate heat impact during peak summer months, supporting safe and efficient operations year-round.
Gulf-Bunkering coordinates marine fuel trading at King Fahd Industrial Port (Jubail) 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 Saudi Arabian region, providing reliable supply solutions for diverse vessel types and operational profiles.
For marine fuel trading coordination at King Fahd Industrial Port (Jubail), contact Gulf-Bunkering at contact@gulf-bunkering.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Bunkering at King Fahd Industrial Port (Jubail)
What types of marine fuel are available at King Fahd Industrial Port?
King Fahd Industrial Port provides access to major marine fuel grades including Marine Gas Oil (MGO), Intermediate Fuel Oil 380 (IFO 380), Marine Diesel Oil (MDO), and Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) at 0.50% sulphur. Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO) at 0.10% sulphur is available 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.
How are bunkering operations coordinated at King Fahd Industrial Port?
Bunkering operations are coordinated through appointed suppliers authorized by the port. Fuel deliveries are available by appointment and can be scheduled to align with vessel arrival and cargo operations. Marine services coordination is managed by National Port Services Co. Ltd., which oversees port operations and can facilitate bunkering arrangements.
What is the maximum vessel size that can be accommodated at King Fahd Industrial Port?
King Fahd Industrial Port can accommodate vessels up to 360,000 DWT, including very large crude carriers (VLCCs). The port offers a maximum draft of 24 meters at deep-water berths and features 34 berths across five specialized terminals designed to handle diverse vessel types from tankers to bulk carriers and container vessels.
Is King Fahd Industrial Port located within an Emission Control Area?
No, King Fahd Industrial 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, where they can take on compliant 0.10% sulphur grades before departure to European, North American, or other regulated zones.
Is pilotage required at King Fahd Industrial Port?
Yes, pilotage is mandatory for vessels over 150 GRT calling at King Fahd Industrial Port. Harbor pilots provide essential local knowledge of port approaches, berth configurations, and operational procedures, ensuring safe navigation and efficient berthing operations. Pilotage services are coordinated through the port’s marine services office.
What are the operational hours at King Fahd Industrial Port?
King Fahd Industrial Port operates 24/7, 365 days a year with no seasonal closures or restricted operational windows. The facility maintains consistent operational capability throughout the entire year, supporting vessels with flexible scheduling requirements and tight operational timelines.
What cargo types are handled at King Fahd Industrial Port?
King Fahd Industrial Port handles diverse cargo types including petrochemicals, refined petroleum products, chemical fertilizers, sulfur, bulk cargo (iron ore and industrial raw materials), containers, general cargo, LPG, and specialized industrial outputs such as butane, propylene, ethylene, and phenol chloride. The port serves as the main logistical hub for the world’s largest petrochemical complex.
What marine services are available alongside bunkering at King Fahd Industrial Port?
King Fahd Industrial Port provides comprehensive marine services including full pilotage, towage services with Voith Schneider tugs, fresh water supply, vessel traffic management, radar and communication systems, marine rescue capabilities, ship repair facilities (up to 500 tons), diving and underwater works, and pollution control services. These services support efficient vessel operations and can be coordinated concurrently with bunkering activities.